Miscanthus: European experience with a novel energy crop

Miscanthus is a tall perennial rhizomatous grass with C4 photosynthesis which originated in East Asia. This article provides an overview of the most important results and experience gained with miscanthus in Europe over the past 10 years. Field trials have been established throughout Europe from the Mediterranean to southern Scandinavia. Most reported trials have used a vigorous sterile clone Miscanthus x giganteus, which has been propagated vegetatively either by rhizome cutting or in vitro culture. Yields in autumn have been reported in excess of 30 t ha−1 (12 t acre−1) for irrigated trials in southern Europe. Without irrigation autumn yields of 10–25 t ha−1 (dry matter) can be expected. The quality of miscanthus biomass for combustion is in some respect comparable to woody biomass and normally improves by delaying harvesting until the spring, although harvestable yields are thus reduced by 30–50% compared with autumn yields. Different technical options for establishment, harvesting and handling of miscanthus have been developed and these significantly effect production costs. Miscanthus production is characterized by low fertilizer and pesticide requirements making it a relatively benign crop environmentally. The main limitations to miscanthus production from M. x giganteus are the high establishment costs, poor over-wintering at some sites and insufficient water supply in southern regions of Europe. New agronomic techniques and new genotypes with improved characteristics are being developed and screened over the wide range of ecological conditions in Europe. Against this background of European experience the prospects for growing miscanthus in North America are discussed.