The Influence of Three Years of Supplemental Nitrogen on Above- and Belowground Biomass Partitioning in a Decade-Old Miscanthus × giganteus in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship (Poland)

Abstract

Because of the different opinions regarding nitrogen (N) requirements for Miscanthus × giganteus biomass production, we conducted an experiment with a set dose of nitrogen. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the biomass yield, water content, and morphological features of rhizomes and aboveground plant parts in various terms during a growing season over the course of three years (2014–2016) in Lower Silesia (Wroclaw, Poland). The nitrogen fertilization (dose 60 kg/ha and control) significantly affected the number of shoots (p = 0.0018), the water concentration of rhizomes (p = 0.0004) and stems (p = 0.0218), the dry matter yield of leaves (p = 0.0000), and the nitrogen uptake (p = 0.0000). Nitrogen fertilization significantly affected the nitrogen uptake in all plant parts (p = 0.0000). Although low levels of nitrogen appeared to be important in maintaining the maximum growth potentials of mature Miscanthus × giganteus, the small reductions in the above- and belowground biomass production are unlikely to outweigh the environmental costs of applying nitrogen. More studies should use the protocols for the above- and belowground yield determination described in this paper in order to create site- and year-specific fertilizer regimes that are optimized for quality and yield for autumn (green) and spring (delayed) harvests.

Content and Uptake of Ash and Selected Nutrients (K, Ca, S) with Biomass of Miscanthus × giganteus Depending on Nitrogen Fertilization

“…The p-value concerns the subsequent months. The weather and soil condition, experiment design and agrotechnical treatments are described in research by Bogacz et al [33].…”

“…The experiment with miscanthus and nitrogen fertilisation started by separating plots on the plantation carried out in 2004. Detailed information is contained in the article by Bogacz et al 2020 [33]. The study with miscanthus was conducted in the years 2014-2016 at Experimental Station belonging to Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pawlowice (geographical location 17 • 7 E and 51 • 08 N in the Lower Silesian Voivodship (Figure 1)).…”

Phytotechnology with Biomass Production

“…Miscanthus is suitable for larval development for both European (Gloyna et al, 2011) and the US (Spencer et al, 2009) populations of the western corn rootworm. Since Western corn rootworm survives on M. × giganteus, it has economic consequence.…”

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on the Dynamics of Concentration and Uptake of Selected Microelements in the Biomass of Miscanthus x giganteus

“…The field experiment with Miscanthus and nitrogen fertilization (0 and 60 kg ha −1 N) was established in the years 2014-2016 at an experimental station belonging to the Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pawlowice (geographical location 17 • 7 E and 51 • 08 N in the Lower Silesian Voivodship) (Figure 1). The soil was determined to be an alluvial, light, loose sand, and sandy gravel [23]. The chemical composition of the soil and fertilization treatment is presented in Table 1.…”

“…The concentration of micronutrients was determined in the laboratory belonging to the Institute of Agroecology and Plant Production and the Department of Plant Nutrition, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland. The concentration of The soil was determined to be an alluvial, light, loose sand, and sandy gravel [23]. The chemical composition of the soil and fertilization treatment is presented in Table 1.…”