Journal
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
Volume 5, Issue 1, Pages 86-94Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s12155-011-9129-3
Keywords
Sweet sorghum N recovery; Sweet sorghum P recovery; Sweet sorghum biomass partitioning; Sweet sorghum nutrient partitioning; Bioenergy; Sweet sorghum ethanol
Categories
Funding
- USDA
- Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, a Florida Farm
- Florida Energy Systems Consortium
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Sustainable bioenergy cropping systems require not only high yields but also efficient use of inputs. Management practices optimizing production of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for bioenergy use are needed. The effects of N rate (45, 90, 135, and 180 kg N ha(-1)) and top removal (at boot stage, anthesis, and none) on biomass, brix, estimated sugar yield, and N and P recovery of sweet sorghum cv. M-81E were investigated in Florida at two sites differing in soil type. Across all data, dry biomass yields averaged 17.7 Mg ha(-1) and were not affected by N fertilization rate at either site (P > 0.10). Mean brix values ranged from 131 to 151 mg g(-1) and were negatively related to N rate. Top removal, either at boot stage or anthesis, resulted in greater brix values and 13% greater sugar yields at both locations. Whole plant N recovery was positively and linearly related to N rate and ranged from 78 to 166 kg N ha(-1), approximately two thirds of which was in leaf and grain tissues. Based on yield and nutrient recovery responses, optimal nutrient requirements were 90 to 110 kg N ha(-1) and 15 to 20 kg P ha(-1). Higher N fertilization led to greater N recovery, but little to modest gain in sugar yield. Thus, proper nutrient and harvest management will be needed to optimize sugar yields of sweet sorghum for production of biofuels and bio-based products. Further research is needed to refine management practices of sweet sorghum for bioenergy production, especially with regard to the use of leaf and grain tissues.
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