Lignocellulosic Biomass Production and Persistence of Perennial Grass Species Grown in Mediterranean Marginal Lands

Biomass production in marginal lands represents one of the most challenging and promising alternatives to sustainably produce biofuels. Native species seem be adequate option obtain a profitable output when low-input techniques are applied, biomass is grown depleted soils harsh climatic conditions. In this study, 5-year field trial island Majorca served investigate different autochthonous naturalized Mediterranean perennial grasses as novel candidate lignocellulosic bioenergy crops for semi-arid area compare them with commercial ones (both non-Mediterranean). Species growing season had significant effect on production, perennialism quality. Arundo donax (winter crops) Piptatherum miliaceum (autumn performed better than tested (Panicum virgatum winter Festuca arundinacea autumn perennialism. terms quality, Panicum was best species, having high structural content (mainly cellulose hemicellulose), low non-structural lowest ash. However, Ampelodesmos mauritanicus rendered similar results, no difference latter but higher lignin content. For quality highest ash all considered. Hence, both or regimes, native plants suited commonly used energy-producing purposes. Further research must conducted seed biology physiology, seedbed preparation methods, sowing time, seedling density weed control before they can firmly proposed energy