Alternative storage systems of Arundo donax L. and characterization of the stored biomass

• Evaluation of the storage performance of Arundo donax L. in different conditions.
• Study of heat development, dry matter losses, fuel quality and polymeric compounds.
• Lower decay and rapid decrease in moisture content were shown by ventilated treatment.
• The polymeric composition of biomass varied after storage according to the treatment.
• The fuel quality parameters of the biomass were not affected by the storage system.

Arundo donax L. has received much attention from researchers as biomass crop because of its vigorous growth, high productivity and low agronomic inputs requirements. Once harvested, the chopped biomass of A. donax L. may be stored for a variable period according to energy demand or logistic reasons. As consequence of storage, the chopped biomass may undergo processes of degradation that can compromise the energy yield of the product and the economic convenience of the cultivation.In the view of preserving the A. donax L. biomass for producing different kind of energy, such as bio-ethanol, biogas, and fuel for combustion, the aim of this study was to investigate, in small-scale, different storage systems assessing the dynamics of storage and their effects on energy losses and fuel quality. The work has included different studies, such as (i) the monitoring of heat development, moisture content and dry matter losses, (ii) the analysis of polymeric compounds and combustion performances. Results indicate that according to the storage method adopted, the conservation of the product can be significantly influenced, with clear impacts on its energy potential. Polymeric composition changed after storage according to the method used, while energetic characteristics were not remarkably affected.