Sorghum biomass: productive potential and energy strategy for the semiarid region

Biomass sorghum has emerged as a strategic crop in semi-arid regions and other areas with water limitations, providing a sustainable source of biomass for multiple uses, including bioenergy generation. This study evaluated the productive and energetic potential of biomass sorghum cultivars under sowing dates in brazilian semi-arid. Two experiments were conducted: the first assessed biometric and productive parameters of the cultivars Agri 002E and BRS 716, sown in two planting seasons (June and December). The first harvest was carried out when ≥50% of the panicles reached physiological maturity, and the regrowth was harvested 40 days later. The second experiment evaluated energy potential at phenological stages. Both experiments followed a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that planting date significantly influenced sorghum development and biomass production. December sowing resulted in 57.97 t ha −1 of dry biomass at the first harvest and 26.69 t ha −1 during regrowth. June sowing produced 21.42 t ha −1 at the first harvest and 42.89 t ha −1 at regrowth. The optimal harvest time for energy production was 123 days after sowing, reaching 69.7 Gcal/ha. These findings demonstrate that biomass sorghum is a viable and sustainable alternative for bioenergy generation in semi-arid regions. The crop’s capacity for regrowth, high biomass accumulation, and adaptability to environmental stress make it a promising strategy for reducing dependence on native forest biomass and promoting energy sustainability. Biomass sorghum contributes as a resilient and sustainable strategy for food and energy security.