ARCHIVES
VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 (2025)
Assessment of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) as a sustainable crop for bioenergy production
Authors
Zazuhiro Kasuda
Abstract
The increasing demand for renewable energy sources has intensified
research into sustainable bioenergy crops that can thrive under marginal
environmental conditions. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a drought-tolerant
cereal, has emerged as a potential candidate due to its adaptability to arid
and semi-arid regions, high biomass yield, and low input requirements. This
study evaluates the viability of P. glaucum for bioenergy production by
assessing its growth performance, biomass accumulation, and energy potential
under varying soil and water conditions. Field experiments were conducted over
two growing seasons in semi-arid regions, using three cultivars subjected to
different irrigation regimes and soil fertility levels. Biomass yield,
lignocellulosic composition, and calorific value were measured to determine its
suitability for biofuel applications. Results indicated that P. glaucum
produced an average above-ground biomass of 12–16 tons per hectare under
moderate irrigation, with cellulose and hemicellulose content ranging from 35%
to 42% and 20% to 25%, respectively. The energy potential was estimated at
18–22 GJ per hectare, demonstrating its competitive advantage compared to
conventional bioenergy crops under similar conditions. Additionally, the crop
showed resilience to water stress and poor soil fertility, highlighting its
potential for cultivation on marginal lands without competing with food crops.
The findings suggest that P. glaucum could serve as a sustainable bioenergy
feedstock, contributing to renewable energy production while supporting
agricultural resilience in resource-limited environments. Further research on
large-scale processing techniques and integration into existing bioenergy
systems is recommended to optimize its commercial viability.
Download
Pages:14-19
How to cite this article:
Zazuhiro Kasuda "Assessment of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) as a sustainable crop for bioenergy production". World Journal of Environment, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 14-19
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.