Variations in ash content, pulp yield, and fibre properties of reed canary-grass

This study examines the effect of the variety of reed canary-grass (RCG), location, soil type, and yearly variation on the ash content of the stem, the RCG's pulp yield, and the RCG's fibre properties. Thirteen RCG varieties were grown in 11 locations in northern Europe. The RCGs were harvested using the delayed harvesting method. Two years (1997 and 1998) were included to obtain information of the yearly variation. The yearly variation had the greatest influence on the pulp properties. The ash content of the stem fraction of RCG mainly depends on location and soil type. The overall variation in the measured properties, however, was within reasonable limits, and a substantial reduction of the variation could be achieved by selecting varieties suitable to the climatic and soil conditions of the location.