BIOMASS AS A DRIVING FORCE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT - MISCANTHUS BEST PRACTICES

In most countries, valorisation of biomass as a renewable energy is related to the traditional sources such as woody biomass and agricultural residues. Nevertheless, perennial grasses can often produce higher yield of biomass than forest trees, while existing mechanization of forest management units are at disposal. Perennial grasses require only one cultivation activity, preparation for planting, and low nitrogen inputs during 10-20 years of cultivation. Poor rural population reliance on the functions of biomass production is rarely measured and is usually not included in valorization of total household potentials for entrepreneurship, which further leads to development of inappropriate strategies that do not appreciate the role of environmental protection in combating the poverty. Miscanthus giganteus is a highly productive plant species, which has been cultivated in Europe for 20 years as energy crop. The remarkable adaptability of Miscanthus to different environments makes this novel crop suitable for establishment and distribution under a range of European and North American climatic conditions. It produces no seed and its plantations should be established using vegetative method of planting divided rhizome pieces, so there is no threat of natural ecosystems contamination by uncontrolled spreading of this allochthonous species. This paper shortly reviews the role of perennial herbaceous crops in meeting the need for sustainable land use and development. Research results from field sample plots of Miscanthus, including biomass production potential and heat capacity, are explained with the aim of closer recognition of environmental contribution and influences and energy efficiency of this energy crop.