Ensilage performance of sorghum hybrids varying in extractable sugars

Dirk Philipp, Kenneth J. Moore, Jeffrey F. Pedersen, Richard J. Grant, Daren D. Redfearn, Robert B. Mitchell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Renewable feedstock resources require novel storage technologies to optimize industrial use. Solid state fermentation of biomass feedstock may provide organic chemicals and fibers while reducing the risk of current dry-storage procedures. Here, we compare the chemical composition and fermentation of six sorghum hybrids (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) following 1, 7, and 21 days of storage. Ensilage of 7 days resulted in a pH of 3.8 and declined further to 3.75 at day 21. Lactate increased during ensilage from 2.0 to 3.9 g 100 g-1. Acetic acid increased between 1 and 7 days of ensiling but did not change until the end of the ensiling period. Total organic acids averaged 2.5 g 100 g-1 after day 1 and increased to 4.2 and 4.7 g `100 g-1 after days 7 and 21, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber ranged from 38 to 50 g 100 g-1 among hybrids and total non-structural carbohydrates varied from 18 to 32 g 100 g-1. Hemicellulose and cellulose ranged from 13 to 19 g 100 g-1 and 20 and 28 g 100 g-1, respectively. Genotypic variation in sorghum may offer designing dual-purpose hybrids for production of biomass and economically valuable byproducts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)492-496
Number of pages5
JournalBiomass and Bioenergy
Volume31
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chemical composition
  • Solid state fermentation
  • Sorghum bicolor (L.)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Forestry
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Waste Management and Disposal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Ensilage performance of sorghum hybrids varying in extractable sugars'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this