Establishment of a sustainable cultivation and utilization system for the energy crop Erianthus

As a countermeasure against the depletion of fossil fuels and global warming, the use of biomass energy as a renewable energy source is attracting attention. In the cultivation and utilization of energy crops, it is essential to avoid competition with food production and to establish low-input cultivation systems. Among candidate feedstock crops, Erianthus has been recognized as a promising species. However, its cultivation and utilization have been scarcely studied. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a sustainable cultivation and utilization system by investigating the canopy structure that forms the basis of biomass production, growth, development, and morphological characteristics of individual plants within Erianthus populations. In addition, assuming practical utilization, it is necessary to evaluate an integrated system that includes not only cultivation but also biomass harvesting, drying, and utilization. Accordingly, harvesting and drying methods were also examined. Based on these findings, the business feasibility of the cultivation and utilization system was evaluated. These results may contribute to post-disaster reconstruction following the Great East Japan Earthquake and to countermeasures for abandoned farmland.