Suitability of Different Forage Crops for Energy Production

<p>The aim of the project is to test the suitability of different forage crops for energy production using biogas or methane, respectively. Therefore, perennial field grass and legume-grass-mixtures grown under the regional conditions of Land Brandenburg are checked in relation to biogas output. Biomass yield, chemical composition and silage derived from the forage crops cut several times per year are evaluated in connection with corresponding results from other regions of Germany.</p>
<p>Biomass production of maize for energy purposes in Brandenburg is mainly restricted by water supply. That's why at the location Berge field trials are run to check different maize varieties in relation to several regimes of harvest date and water supply. Recommendations are derived how to optimize the biomass production during the growing season as well as the biomass quality in order to reach a high methane output.</p>