The production of biofuel feedstock on reclaimed land based on sweet sorghum biomass

Abstract

Almost all of the studied sorghum hybrids showed a good growth both on the black soil mass and on loess-like loam. The yield of fresh biomass was reached at the level of 50-100 t ha-1. The juice amount in the stems of Ukrainian hybrids was more than in American ones by 5-10%. At the same time, the concentration of sugar in it was less, 16-19% as against 18-21%. The theoretical ethanol yield for highly productive hybrids (Zubr, Medove, Mohawk, SS506) was 2500-3600 L ha-1, and for low-output hybrids (Sioux and Silosne-42) 705-1600 L ha-1. Hybrids Zubr, Medove, Mohawk, SS506 and G1990 were selected as the most promising for cultivation on reclaimed lands. Addition of the plant biomass to sludge activates the thermal behavior of the composite mix. As a result, the combustion level rises to 41.4%.