Effects of soil amendments on the growth of four biomass crops in Nova Scotia

Abstract

Biomass energy is crucial for Canada's renewable sector, but biofuel sustainability faces cost and technology challenges. To combat this, we aimed to establish a biomass production system on marginal lands using low-value crops and cost-effective biological inputs. Our objectives included assessing yield potential, comparing growth performance with and without biological inputs, and identifying optimal biological input. Using randomized block designs, we assessed four biomass crops treated with three biological inputs across two sites in Nova Scotia. The results revealed significantly higher biomass yields for switchgrass and willow treated with paper sludge in Falmouth (114% and 139% higher during establishment and 84% higher for switchgrass at Chegoggin Point by end-of-season). Consequently, switchgrass treated with paper sludge emerges as the preferred choice for grass-based biomass production. Similarly, willow treated with paper sludge demonstrated superior biomass yields for tree-based biomass production, both during establishment and end-of-season.