Specifics of cultivation, productivity, and energy efficiency of miscanthus giganteus for solid biofuel production

Miscanthus is one of the most promising energy crops for growing on the infertile soils of Ukraine.Miscanthus cultivation will significantly increase Ukraine's energy independence and reduce the use of solid fuels.The research studies the specifics of using Miscanthus giganteus Terravesta AthenaTM.Guidelines have been developed regarding the peculiarities of pre-sowing storage of rhizomes, application of mineral fertilizers, and planting rhizomes in the ridge using GIS technologies.It allows us to obtain high germination capacity (more than 94%), effectively use soil moisture reserves at the beginning of the vegetation period, control weeds, and form the yield of vegetative mass at the level of 14.53 t/ha in the first year of vegetation, and in the second year of vegetation, it will achieve a stable yield due to the optimal planting density.Cultivation of Miscanthus giganteus of hybrid Terra vesta AthenaTM, especially on marginal lands, will provide valuable raw materials for the production of solid biofuel (pellets) that meets European standards by its essential environmental and energy characteristics.The energy and calorific value of Miscanthus biomass are high, and less carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere during its burning, which becomes its main advantage over other types of energy crops.The highest economic and energy effect can be obtained if the energy-saving elements of Miscanthus giganteus cultivation technology are followed (in particular, reducing the costs for weed control products) when cultivating biomass for biofuel, having created an energy conveyor to supply raw materials to the consumer.