Growing sweet sorghum as a source of fermentable sugars for energy

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Ga. Agric. Exp. Stn., Res. Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5642744

Gascho, G J; Nichols, R L; Powell-Gaines, T

Studies were undertaken on the southern coastal plain (Georgia) of the USA on sweet sorghum to evaluate its potential as a fuel ethanol feedstock. Field experiments were designed over three years to study several aspects of the production of fermentable sugars from sweet sorghum and these included cultivar types, fertility needs, weed control and growth regulation. Wray was the best cultivar, producing a high sugar per hectare. To justify the operation of an ethanol plant, sweet sorghum should be harvested over a period of months, so cultivars were selected for yearly, medium and late maturity, thus ensuring a constant supply of feedstock over a four month period. The fertility needs of sweet sorghum appear to be relatively low and the yield response to applications of N, P, K are given. The best weed control was achieved by treating with Propazine plus Metolacheor. Application of several growth regulators such as Gibberellin didn't significantly increase the yield of sugars. Finally, a method to measure the fermentable sugars was developd using the Technicon Autoanalyser II.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Georgia, Tifton; USDA-ARS Tifton, GA
• OSTI ID: 5642744
• Journal Information: Ga. Agric. Exp. Stn., Res. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Ga. Agric. Exp. Stn., Res. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 315; ISSN GARBB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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