POTENCIAL DE PRODUÇÃO DE BIOGÁS A PARTIR DE BIOMASSA IN NATURA E ENSILADA DE CULTURAS ENERGÉTICAS

Abstract

The search for clean energy is growing, with emphasis on biogas from biomass (in natura or ensiled) from crops such as corn and sorghum. Aiming at determining the potential of biogas production from in natura and ensiled biomass of energy crops, produced in the off-season, in sandy and clayey soil, the present work was developed. The experiment was carried out at Fazenda Paiaguás, Diamantino - MG, using a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were arranged in a 6x2 factorial scheme, with six materials (Maize P30S31, Sorghum AGRI002E, Sorghum NUCOVER 100, Sorghum NUGRAIN 430, Sorghum AGROMEN AGN 10S20, and Sorghum NUSIL 426) and two types of soil (Sandy and Argillaceous). Fresh and dry masses were evaluated for fresh and ensiled material; proportion between fresh mass and dry mass; percentage of crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, mineral matter, and dry mass content; average volume and total volume of biogas; initial and final pH. Tukey's mean comparison test was applied at a significance level of 5% and regression analysis for the factors temperature and average biogas production. The production of fresh and dry biomass was satisfactory for all materials, especially when cultivated in clayey soil, with emphasis on sorghum materials, which, due to the higher biomass production, are more suitable for the production of biogas than the corn material. P30S31. The materials had compositions suitable for the biodigestion process, and that indicates the possibility of use in animal feed or as dual-purpose materials. Biogas productions were not influenced by different materials or soil types. Despite the relatively high costs, the cultivation of energy crops for biogas production is viable when considering land use.