BioMatNet Item: AIR1-CT92-0294 - Miscanthus Productivity Network

AIR1-CT92-0294
Miscanthus Productivity Network

Contacts
Further Information

	Contract No	AIR1-CT92-0294
	Total Cost	2 986 000
	EC Contribution	1 900 000
	Start Date	01/12/1992
	Duration	36 months

OBJECTIVE :

The objective of the Miscanthus productivity network is to assess the potential of Miscanthus at different European locations and to assess its potential as a raw material for the energy, paper and construction industries.

Miscanthus is a temperate grass genus which contains exclusively C4 species. The genus consists of robust perennials with elongate linear leaf blades. The grass grows to a height of up to 4m annually and yields from Miscanthus vary from 15-20 dry tonnes of material per hectare. Yields of 26 dry tonnes per hectare have been recorded in Germany.

The Miscanthus productivity network consists of 18 research organizations located throughout Europe and its specific objectives are to:

Determine the sustainable yield and quality of Miscanthus as a low input agricultural crop at different European locations with particular emphasis on Northern Europe.
Assess the limitations which low temperature and other stress factors place on the growth of Miscanthus under European climatic conditions.
Determine which genotypes of Miscanthus are most suitable for growth in the EC.
Assess the environmental impact of growing Miscanthus as an agricultural crop and the environmental constraints of growing Miscanthus in the EC.
Evaluate and test different technologies for harvesting, storage and drying the crop.
Identify, evaluate and test selected end uses of Miscanthus especially in the energy, paper and construction industries.

Contacts

Coordinator

Dr S McCARTHY / Hyperion Energy Systems Ltd IRELAND

EC Scientific Officer

Adelmo MOREALE / European Commission DG VI Agriculture BELGIUM

Participant