Switchgrass Compositional Variations Arising from Spatial Distribution and Legume Intercropping

ABSTRACT

Due to genetic diversity within and among switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), there may be genotype x environment and management-induced differences among secondary cell walls. Consequently, two separate experiments were conducted to determine feedstock variance using near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS). One experiment tested legume-intercrops [red clover (RC; Trifolium pratense), crimson clover (CC; Trifolium incarnatum), hairy vetch (HV; Vicia villosa), and partridge pea (PP; Chamaechrista fasciculata)], nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 67, and 135 kg-N ha⁻¹), and location impacts on characteristics. The second one determined on-farm bale variance within and across locations. Clustering NIRS data indicated that chemical signatures differed among locations and N-levels, but less so among intercrops. Results suggest that homogeneity may vary within a region responsible for supplying biomass to a biorefinery. Thus, conversion efficiencies and enzymatic requirements for ethanol production may be affected. Consequently, legumes may displace inorganic-N with minimal compositional changes, whereas location and N-level influence feedstock quality and recalcitrance level to a greater extent.

KEYWORDS:

• Cellulose
• feedstock composition
• forage quality
• legume intercropping
• near-infrared spectrometry
• principal component analysis

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