ISHS Acta Horticulturae 681: IV International Congress on Artichoke
CYNARA CARDUNCULUS L. AS A PERENNIAL CROP FOR NON-IRRIGATED LANDS: YIELDS AND APPLICATIONS |
| Authors: | J. Fernández, M. Hidalgo, J.P. del Monte, M.D. Curt |
| Keywords: | Cynara cardunculus, cardoon, crop management, biomass production |
| Abstract:
In this work, an overview of 15 years of research on Cynara cardunculus biomass production is presented. Taking advantage of the natural growth cycle of the species, a perennial crop system with annual harvests of the aerial biomass is put forward for non-irrigated lands of Mediterranean climates. With this system, the main application of the crop would be the production of lignocellulosic biomass either for bioenergy or for paper-pulp production. Biomass productivity is estimated at 14 ton dry matter ha-1 year-1 average according to a long-lasting experiment on Cynara cardunculus production in rainfed conditions, although the actual production of a particular year is strictly related to the rainfall. This experiment also proved that the plant is hardy enough to overcome severe drought cycles. Oil production from the seeds is a supplementary application of the crop. With this crop system, 1.3 t seeds ha-1 year-1 can be harvested separately, with the average seed oil content 26.4% and the fatty acid oil composition similar to sunflower oil. Another possible application of the crop is green forage production in wintertime. Yields in forage attain 6.5 t dry matter per ha-1 but by the winter cut results in a decrease in the yield of final dry biomass. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
