Impact of seeding terms and row spacing on yield of switchgrass phytomass, biofuel and energy output

The article substantiates the necessity of biofuel usage from plant raw materials in order to reduce consumption of non-renewable energy sources. It has been determined that, along with other energy crops, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a plant that is not demanding to cultivation conditions, capable of forming strong stems which can be used for solid biofuel production. It has been established that study of elements of switchgrass cultivation technology is very important because yield of the crop, variety properties and weather conditions considerably depend on land treatment. Methods of the experiment are generally accepted and supplemented by field and laboratory studies on the basis of scientific and practical recommendations of the scientists. The research results are original, due to the fact that for the first time in Ukraine comprehensive experiments were done and yield of dry vegetative above-ground mass (phytomass) of perennial vegetation cycle switchgrass has been defined. The level of biomass productivity as a raw material for biofuel has been specified depending on the seeding terms, row spacing and taking into account consumption of productive moisture. Phytomass energy potential has been calculated and yield of biofuel and energy from plant switchgrass raw material has been defined on variants of the experiment. Conclusions. The optimal switchgrass seeding term for the conditions of Ukraine has been established. This term is the first decade of April (prevernal). Experimentally proved that switchgrass with a width between rows of 45 cm forms the highest yield of above-ground vegetative mass (wet and dry) with minimum water consumption and forms maximum yield of energy-intensive biofuel. Variety Cave-in-roch provides the highest and stable phytomass yield, output of biofuel and energy per one hectare in comparison with variety Sanburst.