Aboveground Yield and Biomass Quality of Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) as Affected by Harvest Time and Frequency

摘要: Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a perennial rhizomatous grass producing high biomass yields in temperate and warm climates under rainfed reduced input conditions. Harvest time frequency typically affect the productivity suitability for energy conversion of crops. In order to evaluate effect different cutting managements on yield quality giant reed, three single harvest (SH) six double (DH) systems were compared. Biomass yield, leaf mass ratio, dry matter (DM), ash content assessed each harvest. Over 2 years study, demonstrated good levels both when harvested once year twice (about 30 Mg ha−1) without significant differences between treatments. Regarding double-cut regimes, overall significantly by delaying second cut from autumn winter (32.9 vs 30.2 ha−1), percentage first with respect varied 55 80 %. was also affected frequency. The obtained showed higher average moisture 40 % DM) concentrations ranging 4.7 8.7 contrast, led drier (47–57 mineral contents (3.4–4.8 ash). feasibility management should therefore be considered terms specific reed-based supply chain, particular regards storage technology adopted.