THE POTENTIAL OF THE ENERGY CROP SILPHIUM PERFOLIATUM L.

The increase of biomass production leads to the extension of cultivation areas for dominating energy plants. The consequences of monoculture are a step up in spread of pests and diseases (Diabrotica virgifera or Fusarium spp.) and environmental pollution. The productive, undemanding, perennial plant Silphium perfoliatum L. is an interesting option in biomass production, especially for the biogas production by renewable resources. The central objective of the project "Bioenergy-Silphium" is an increase in bioenergy production in Austria by enhancing the sustainable biomass production with Silphium perfoliatum L. for energetic use. At the same time the objectives of minimizing erosion, emissions and pollution of ground and surface waters by nutrition input are pursued, as well as allocation of food for honey bees and other flower visiting insects. In this publication we show first research results, which include the development of a functioning seed technology as well as determination and improvement of biomass and biogas potentials and ecological values of Silphium perfoliatum L. at four locations in Austria. The project "Bioenergy-Silphium", which researches the potential of the energy crop Silphium perfoliatum L., is supported by the Climate and Energy Fund within the program "NEW ENERGY 2020".