Reed canarygrass contains relatively high levels of silica (Cherney et al., 1991 ). This is because reed canarygrass is a C 3 grass and uses 50% more water than a C 4 grass such as switchgrass (Black, 1971 ). Higher water use increases the uptake of silicic acid and increases the amount of ash in the plant.
For energy production, Reed can be used in three ways. Namely, combustion, biogas production, and biofuel production. Heat and power can be generated by combustion or co-combustion of winter harvested Reed with low moisture content. Therefore, the lowest moisture content is achieved by harvesting in late winter.
While giant reed ( Arundo donax L.) seems exquisitely suited to produce biomass for energy, its production ecology is still largely unexplored. In this study we have investigated giant reed taking the well investigated sweet sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) as the reference crop.
Burma reed is a highly combustible fuel source because of its high overall plant mass, its large feathery flower plumes, and its production of dense, hay-like leaf litter. This litter enhances fire movement along the ground, while the flower plumes carry the flames high into the air.
The term “Reed” is the general botanical name that is used for tall, grass-like plants of wet places which occur in Reed beds and are all members of the order. It consists of four species constituting the genus Phragmites of the grass family (Poaceas) and the ordinary or water Reed (Phragmites Australis).
Chekol et al. ( 2004) found that planting reed canarygrass in pots containing irradiated soil caused a 70% biodegradation of PCBs after four months. The presence of the grass increased microbial counts and enzyme activity in the soil.
OverviewDescriptionBiology and spreadNative rangeRange in the United StatesEcological threatManagement optionsFurther reading
Neyraudia reynaudiana, commonly known as Burma reed, silk reed, cane grass, or false reed, is a tall, perennial, large-plumed grass native to subtropical Asia, but invasive in southern Florida in the United States.