CROPS FOR BIOGAS
Bright Maize supply maize, hybrid rye, grass and fodder beet seed to the UK biogas industry.
Maize is the largest single crop grown for biogas hence the large increase in maize acreage, particularly in the East of England. There is a growing area put down to Hybrid Rye, not just to spread the seasonal risk and workload from growing a fewer number of crops but the fact it is capable of producing acceptable yields from average fields. Fodder Beet has also increased partly as the demand for Sugar Beet has diminished, but also as the area is by no means restricted to the East of England. The use of catch crops particularly grass has also increased as margins have become tighter.
METHANE PRODUCTION
Maize can be a very fickle crop for the unwary and the right choice of variety for every situation is paramount. With our experience of growing maize across the whole of the UK we are in a position to supply and advise farmers with the best options.
We use our own trial results as well as NIAB to make recommendations. It is essential to choose varieties that give a high energy yield and actually mature early enough to establish a following crop.
A few varieties to consider are:
| Mas 11F | group 7/8 fao 190 | Recommended by NIAB as a Biodigester maize. Early vigour gets the crop away quickly in spring. |
| Mas 10A | group 7 fao 200/210 | A very high level of starch, thanks to a good level of hemicellulose it is very adapted for the biogas production. |
Fodder Beet- one of the criteria for choosing a variety has got to be the dirt tare and root shape as the beet has to be clean and is generally washed. Bright Mazie has access to most of the varieties currently grown.
Grass silage is becoming popular as a feedstock for digesters. Many farmers have surplus amounts of grass at certain times of the year and an AD plant is generally a good home. Italian Rye grass and Westerwold’s are popular choices often as a catch crop but longer-term leys are also a possibility.
| Mixture | 14 KG/acre | Variety | Type |
| Short Term | 5.00 4.00 5.00 14KG |
AberEve AberEcho AberNiche |
Hybrid (T) Ryegrass Hybrid (T) Ryegrass Festulolium |
| Medium Term | 8.00 6.00 14KG |
AberMagic AberEcho |
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass Hybrid (T) Ryegrass |
| Long Term | 4.00 5.00 5.00 14KG |
AberGreen AberMagic AberBite |
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass Late (T) Perennial Ryegrass |
Hybrid Rye is very much a growing market as producers try to spread their risk due to the unpredictability of the British climate. Rye also spreads the autumn workload as harvest is generally in July and opens up another drilling window for other crops. Bright Maize supply mainly winter sown Hybrid Rye for wholecrop, but can supply Forage Rye for a leafier type silage.
SILAGE INOCULANTS
One hectare of maize can produce up to 10,000m3 of biogas. This figure depends on the quality of silage so any small improvement can make a huge impact on profitability.
Biogas Extra, the new additive from Bright Seeds has been specifically formulated for maize silage intended for biodigesters.
Biogas Extra results in high acetic acid levels providing aerobic stability as well as enhancing the rate and quantity of biogas production. Biogas yield increases of 4.3% have been observed, providing 3x return on the cost of the inoculant!
