http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.miscanthus.co.nz en-us Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:41:15 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116189/miscanthus-for-bioenergy--europe--usa/ The need for a rapid reduction in greenhouse gases is well known, and bioenergy is one of the possible solutions. The new perennial grass crop Miscanthus is particularly promising for bioenergy, as it is hardy, fast growing and efficient in its use of water.Miscanthus is the name of a group of perennial grasses native to Asia and Africa, and first introduced into the UK as an ornamental plant in the 19th century. The type most commonly grown for biomass is a sterile hybrid (called Miscanthu... Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116189 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116187/grass-used-as-fuel-source/ Transcript: Robyn Williams on The Science ShowABC (Australia) – Broadcast: Sat 24 Sep 2005, 12:00amNote: This is an old interview, but an interesting one nonetheless. Robyn and Dr Stephen Long (Department of Plant Biology & Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) discuss the use of Miscanthus as a fuel source when the project was in the early stages.Robyn Williams: Well, we continue to burn coal in our power stations – but why not use grass instead? Professor Stev... Tue, 08 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116187 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116186/miscanthus-bedding-for-sheep-goats-horses-and-cows/ Miscanthus bedding is the modern alternative to straw and wood shavings, proving more absorbent than straw and shavings. It can be used the same way as any other bedding either deep litter or a shallow covering on rubber mats.As soon as the droppings and wet patches are removed from the stable or animal pens it will compost quicker than other beddings.Miscanthus reduces contact between animals and manure, minimises ammonia levels, and insulates and protects animals from concrete floors. It is so... Tue, 08 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116186 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116188/miscanthus--market-taking-off/ This newsletter is an update about the Miscanthus market because recently, the demand for Miscanthus seems to be taking off. The result is that it is a very rapidly changing investment scene. New and expanded uses for Miscanthus are appearing, and new sites are being planted.All of the harvested material that Miscanthus New Zealand Limited (MNZ) had in store from 2019 harvest has been sold. We have only a handful of broken or partly broken bales in the Putaruru store and the material stored at K... Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116188 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116185/miscanthus-x-giganteus-mxg-research/ Following the oil crisis of the 1970s, a search for ideal bioenergy crops began. This included research into the biomass yield potential of giant miscanthus.Miscanthus x giganteus is now used commercially in Europe for bedding, heat, and electricity generation. Most production currently occurs in England but also in Spain, Italy, Hungary, France, and Germany.In the United States, research began at the University of Illinois in 2001. The same plot design used in the Illinois trials was replicated... Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116185 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116184/miscanthus-as-a-biofuel-in-the-us/ In the United States, research began at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2001. Miscanthus Giganteus has been proposed for use in the United States in combined heat and power generation, as a supplement or on its own. It is also a leading candidate feedstock for cellulosic ethanol. Miscanthus Giganteus could meet biofuel goals without bringing new land into production or displacing food supply.Miscanthus Giganteus is one of the most promising biomass crops in the United States to... Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116184 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116183/the-origins-of-giant-miscanthus/ The genus Miscanthus includes approximately 20 species. The name comes from the Greek mischos meaning “stalk” and anthos, “flowers.” Grasses in this genus are called Maiden Grass, Chinese Silver Grass, Japanese Silver Grass, Susuki Grass, or Eulalia Grass.Miscanthus is native to Asia. It is found in China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea in meadows, marshes, hillsides, and abandoned areas, near active volcanoes, in poor soil and on mountainsides up to 1500 metres. ... Wed, 04 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116183 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116182/miscanthus--carbon-negative-and-regionally-beneficial/ One of the many positives of Miscanthus is its ability to be used to make Renewable Diesel Fuel (RDF), a direct and complete substitute for fossil fuel diesel. With the RDF production process being significantly carbon negative – because about 15% of the dry matter that goes in, ends up as permanently sequestered carbon. RDF from Miscanthus is based on New Zealand biomass which allows for direct import substitution, improving New Zealand’s fuel security and reducing NZ’s international fuel... Tue, 03 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116182 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116181/multipurpose-plant-has-big-future-in-germany/ Researchers in Germany are looking at ways beyond meat, grain or dairying for farmers to grow and profit from in future.On a 200-hectare farm at Meckenheim, 15km south west of Bonn, scientists are investigating how plants can be used for everything from biofuel, to building materials, paper and medicine.The University of Bonn’s ​Dr Thorsten Kraska​ says plants such as virginia mellow, cup plant, princess tree and jerusalem artichoke can all be used for multiple purposes before being burned... Tue, 04 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116181 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/post/116180/miscanthus-poised-to-take-off-in-new-zealand/ Peter Brown  of Miscanthus New Zealand Ltd (MNZ) says Lincoln University, Fonterra and local government are taking a close look at the plant’s potential.MNZ has stands of Miscanthus growing in Huntly, Helensville, Nelson, Darfield, and Taupo.“I believe it’s poised to suddenly take off. I think the potential is absolutely enormous. My vision for the future is that every farmer in New Zealand with land of suitable terrain would have some Miscanthus on it, even if it is just for their ow... Mon, 04 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.miscanthus.co.nz/blog/#post116180