ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Evaluation of the Biomass of Arundo donax L.
in the Context of Regional Bioenergetics
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1
Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Transport and Bioenergetics, Faculty of Engineering,
Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
2
Institute of Environmental Management, Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development,
Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
Submission date: 2021-09-27
Final revision date: 2021-12-13
Acceptance date: 2021-12-29
Online publication date: 2022-04-28
Publication date: 2022-06-20
Corresponding author
Žaneta Pauková
Institute of Environmental Management, Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development, Trieda Andreja Hlinku, 94976, Nitra, Slovak Republic
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2022;31(4):3043-3049
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ABSTRACT
In Slovakia, maize silage is preferred as the input material for biogas production whereas it
should be used primarily as feed for cattle. The purpose of this paper is to point out the possibilities
of using the fast-growing giant reed Arundo donax L. that is not used as fodder and can be grown on
low-quality agricultural land. The experimental stand of A. donax L. used in the study provided a yield
of 60.8 t ha-1 of fresh biomass in the third year of cultivation. Part of the biomass produced was ensiled
as maize and later the silage was co-fermented with cattle excrements and pig slurry. The resulting
biogas can be used as fuel for internal combustion engines. The average content of CH4 and CO2 is
52% and 44%, respectively. These values are very similar to the composition of maize silage biogas.
The average hydrogen sulphide content in the biogas from A. donax L. was 730 ppm. The disadvantage
is that the biogas production is 46% lower compared to maize silage.