Short rotation coppices, grasses and other herbaceous crops: Biomass properties versus 26 genotypes and harvest time

The harvest date of short rotation woody crops did not have a significant effect on the moisture content in the harvested biomass, which was on a high, constant level. However, harvesting biomass of semi-woody (herbaceous) and straw (grasses) crops at a later date had a significant, beneficial effect on a decrease in the moisture content and increase the lower heating value. Short rotation woody crops biomass contained less ash and more carbon and hydrogen compared to herbaceous and grasses. Furthermore, the content of sulphur and ash in the biomass of semi-woody and straw crops decreased as the harvest date became later.