New miscanthus variety launched by Terravesta

May 12, 2019 |

In the United Kingdom, a new rhizome-based Miscanthus variety named ‘Athena’ is being launched to farmers by biomass company, Terravesta. Athena has delivered staggering results in commercial-scale trials, meaning quicker and higher returns and more than double the energy per hectare.

Athena is available for 2020 spring planting and produces higher yields in year two of the crop’s 20-year life cycle, an average mature yield double that of original Miscanthus giganteus, a calorific value increase of 8%, resulting in a 180% increase in energy per hectare (megajoules), and a significant ash content reduction, all of which benefits the end market considerably.

Trial results show that on average year two yields are 62% above the standard Miscanthus giganteus variety, producing 8 t/ha for the first harvest and 12.5 t/ha in year three. Extensive testing for Athena took place on 270ha of varied UK soil types, as well as differing geographic and climatic conditions.

Category: Fuels

Thank you for visting the Digest.