DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES OF MISCANTHUS AND SWITCHGRASS GROWING IN FOREST-STEPPE ZONE OF UKRAINE

The relation between weather conditions and yield of energy crops in the conditions of forest-Steppe of Ukraine was established. Optimum condititions for Miscanthus × giganteus rhizome density and depth, method of sowing of switchgrass seeds, row spacing and terms of conducting maintenance during the first year of vegetation have been established. The yield of M.×giganteus increases due to rhizomes planting in the early stages and planting depth - 8-10 cm. The article presents the results of studies on the effect of cultivation technology for Miscanthus × giganteus and switchgrass biomass purposed for the production of solid biofuel. Methods of planting, optimal row width and conditions of care during the first year of vegetation are substantiated. The highest switchgrass yield of dry biomass and the energy output was provided in options with marker crop sowing and the width between rows 30 and 45 cm. The factors under study, namely methods of planting and tillage are essential only in the first year of vegetation. The optimal row width, methods of planting and tending switchgrass sowing were established.