Abstract:
The goal of this study was to evaluate the quality indicators of the biomass from the local cultivar ‘Vital’ of Silphium perfoliatum cultivated in experimental plots at the National Botanical Garden (Institute) of Moldova State University, Republic of Moldova, for energy purposes. The results showed that the biochemical composition of the dry matter of green mass substrates was characterized by the following key indicators: 506.11-508.89 g/kg carbon, 18.72- 26.56 g/kg nitrogen, 117-166 g/kg crude protein, 84-89 g/kg ash, 46-60 g/kg acid detergent lignin, 306- 316 g/kg cellulose, 202-239 g/kg hemicellulose. The Silphium perfoliatum green mass substrates used for anaerobic digestion had a C/N ratio of 19-27, with an optimal content of acid detergent lignin and hemicellulose. The biochemical methane potential varied from 310 to 341 L/kg ODM. The collected dry stems of Silphium perfoliatum, processed into solid fuels such as briquettes and pellets, exhibited optimal ash and volatile matter content, as well as a favorable net calorific value.