Nitrogen fertilization effects on aged Miscanthus × giganteus stands: Exploring biomass yield, yield components, and biomass prediction using in–season morphological traits

Namoi, Nictor; Jang, Chunhwa; Behnke, Gevan D.; Lee, Jung Woo; Yang, Wendy; Lee, DoKyoung

doi:10.1111/gcbb.13139

Title: Nitrogen fertilization effects on aged Miscanthus × giganteus stands: Exploring biomass yield, yield components, and biomass prediction using in–season morphological traits

Journal Article · 10 April 2024 · Global Change Biology. Bioenergy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.13139 · OSTI ID:2337471

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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL (United States); CABBI
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL (United States)

For sustainable biomass production of Miscanthus × giganteus (hereafter miscanthus), understanding the impact of stand age and nitrogen (N) fertilization on biomass yield is crucial. This study investigated the effects of varying N fertilization rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N ha^–1) on yield components (tiller height, density, and weight) and their correlations with end-of-season biomass yield in miscanthus. We also explored end-of-season biomass yield prediction using in-season traits (canopy height, leaf area index, and leaf chlorophyll content [LCC]). The study was conducted at two sites in Illinois: a previously unfertilized 10-year-old miscanthus research stand at Urbana and a 16-year-old commercial stand at Pesotum with a history of annual 56N application. Results from 2018 to 2021 in Urbana and 2020 to 2021 in Pesotum showed increased biomass yields with N fertilization, varying by rate, year, and location. Biomass yield in Pesotum peaked at 56N, while in Urbana, it increased significantly at 112 kg N ha^–1. Biomass yield was strongly correlated with tiller height and weight measured at Urbana across N rates. Morphological traits measured every 2–3 weeks during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons showed that canopy height was the strongest single predictor of miscanthus biomass yield, followed by LCC. Mid-August to September measurements of these traits were the best predictors of biomass yield. Multiple regressions involving the canopy height and LCC further improved yield predictions. We conclude that while N enhances biomass yields of aging miscanthus, the optimum rate depends on the site, environmental conditions, and management history.

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Research Organization:: Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), Urbana, IL (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0018420

OSTI ID:: 2337471

Journal Information:: Global Change Biology. Bioenergy, Journal Name: Global Change Biology. Bioenergy Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 16; ISSN 1757-1693

Publisher:: WileyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Miscanthus × giganteus
aging
biomass yield and yield components
canopy height
leaf area index
leaf chlorophyll content
nitrogen
perennial
plant height
tiller weight

Title: Nitrogen fertilization effects on aged Miscanthus × giganteus stands: Exploring biomass yield, yield components, and biomass prediction using in–season morphological traits

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