Suitability of Wild Phragmites australis as Bio-Resource: Tissue Quality and Morphology of Populations from Three Continents

Abstract

We collected and analyzed morphological characteristics and tissue nutrient concentrations of common reed (Phragmites australis) populations from Denmark, USA, and China, harvested late summer at the peak of the biomass production. The aim was to estimate the suitability of the biomass for different bioenergy purposes. The potential of reed as bioenergy feedstock is increasingly recognized, as the species already is utilized for construction, water purification, and pulp production. Our morphological data showed that biomass yield can be allometrically predicted to be high, especially in the reed populations of the US. However, no consistent pattern according to geographical origin was detected, and especially tissue nutrient concentrations varied within and between populations. Some mineral concentrations were above the desirable threshold for biocombustion, such as nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S). Iron (Fe) was higher than the critical toxicity concentration in many populations and hence, negatively correlated with morphological and growth traits. A different harvest time is likely to result in lower ion concentrations. Some populations had low C to N ratios, which are suitable for biomethane production, while the relatively low ash content of all populations (ranging from 3.9% to 8.5%) suggested a high heating value and theoretical energy potential. Reed biomass production is a promising alternative to fossil fuels and potentially suitable for other bio-based product. Improved knowledge is needed to examine local needs and application possibilities for reed biomass.