Examining poplar biomass recalcitrance in OrganoCat processing: The impact of genotype, nitrogen fertilization and process severity

Poplar plays a vital role in carbon sequestration and provides valuable raw materials for various industrial applications. This study dissects the effects of genotype and nitrogen fertilization on recalcitrance features in poplar biomass towards OrganoCat pretreatment. Three genetically different poplar hybrids were cultivated for 13 weeks at greenhouse conditions and fertilized with different forms of inorganic nitrogen. Stem material was processed with different degrees of severity. Biochemical data of the biomass and OrganoCat products was used in a multiscale analysis to determine recalcitrance parameters. The relationship between nitrogen fertilization and genotype on the subsequent processing was investigated. The genotype had a greater influence on the recalcitrance of young poplars than nitrogen fertilization. Generally, crystalline cellulose content and enzymatic glucose conversion increased after processing with a higher severity. Moreover, the overall compositional variation decreased after OrganoCat processing. Optimization of nitrogen fertilization, transfer to field experiments and lignocellulose processing techniques are crucial for maximizing economic and environmental benefits of poplar plantations. • Poplar genotype had greater influence on the recalcitrance of poplars than nitrogen fertilization. • Lignin and pulp yield exhibit low variation in response to genotype and fertilization. • OrganoCat processing significantly reduces the impact of genetic and nutritional variations.