Natural Grasslands as Lignocellulosic Biofuel Resources: Factors Affecting Fermentable Sugar Production

Linda Mezule, Baiba Strazdina, Brigita Dalecka, Eriks Skripsts and Talis Juhna
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Linda Mezule: Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena 1-303, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Baiba Strazdina: Latvian Fund for Nature, Vilandes 3-7, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
Brigita Dalecka: Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena 1-303, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Eriks Skripsts: Bio RE LTD, Vadzu 34, LV-1024 Riga, Latvia
Talis Juhna: Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena 1-303, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Semi-natural grassland habitats are most often limited to animal grazing and low intensity farming. Their potential in bioenergy production is complicated due to the heterogeneity, variation, accessibility, and need for complex pre-treatment/hydrolysis techniques to convert into valuable products. In this research, fermentable sugar production efficiency from various habitats at various vegetation periods was evaluated. The highest fermentable sugar yields (above 0.2 g/g volatile solids) over a period of 3 years were observed from habitats “xeric and calcareous grasslands” (Natura 2000 code: 6120) and “semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates” (Natura 2000 code: 6210). Both had a higher proportion of dicotyledonous plants. At the same time, the highest productivity (above 0.7 t sugar/ha) was observed from lowland hay meadows in the initial stage of the vegetation. Thus, despite variable yield-affecting factors, grasslands can be a potential resource for energy production.

Keywords: fermentable sugar; enzymatic hydrolysis; lignocellulosic biomass (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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