Impact of Harvesting Times on Chemical Composition and Methane Productivity of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor Moench L.)
Hassan, M. U.; Chattha, M. U.; Chattha, M. B.; Mahmood, A.; Sahi, S. T.
Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 16(3): 2267-2276
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 1589-1623 Accession: 066364988
A two-year field study was conducted during 2016 and 2017 to determine the influence of harvesting times on biomass yield, quality and bio-methane yield of sorghum. Harvesting times considerably influenced the growth attributes, biomass quality and bio-methane yield. The maximum plant height, and dry matter (DM) yield were recorded 105 DAS, whilst lowest values of these parameters were recorded 60 DAS. Similarly, the maximum protein and sugar concentration were found 60 days after sowing (DAS), after that a substantial reduction in protein and sugar concentration were found with advancing maturity. Moreover, the highest acid and neutral detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were found 120 DAS whereas; minimum acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose and hemi-cellulose were observed 60 DAS. Likewise, maximum specific methane yield was recorded 60 DAS, while minimum specific methane yield were recorded 120 DAS, conversely, maximum methane yield ha(-1) were recorded after 105 DAS owing to higher dry matter yield ha(-1). Interestingly, we also found strong positive correlation between dry matter yield and methane yield and negative relationship between lignin concentrations and specific methane yield. In conclusion, sorghum crop can be harvested after, 105 DAS owing to high dry matter yield ha(-1) for maximizing its potential for bio-methane yield.