Humentyk M. Agrotechnological fundamentals of the productivity formation of perennial grasses for biofuel production in the Ukrainian Forest-Steppe.

The thesis is focused on the theoretical substantiation of agrotechnological fundamentals of productivity formation of perennial grasses and improvement of the cultivation technology components, optimisation of plant growth and development parameters for the purpose of obtaining feedstock suitable for biofuel production in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The object of research is the process of formation of productivity of plantations and crops of perennial cereals Miscanthus and millet, depending on their biological characteristics, adaptation to soil and climatic conditions, the use of innovative energy-saving technologies for growing, harvesting and processing biomass. Subject of research - perennial cereals - miscanthus and millet, yield parameters, elements of cultivation technology, biometric and biochemical parameters of plants, economic and energy performance of raw materials for biofuel production. The stages of organogenesis with the highest intensity of dry biomass accumulation in Miscanthus giganteus and Panicum virgatum L., as well as the most important factors of crop productivity formation have been determined. The influence of a number of abiotic factors on growth, plant development, yield and biochemical composition of biomass as affected by soil and climatic conditions has been studied. The morphological and physiological features of the formation and realization of biological potential of Miscanthus giganteus and switchgrass productivity as affected by the cultivation technology components have been investigated. The efficiency of growing compatible crops and plantations of perennial grasses such as Miscanthus giganteus and switchgrass to ensure high yield and quality biomass has been proved. New technological processes and improved technologies for growing perennial grasses in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine are recommended that ensure dry biomass yield of Miscanthus giganteus in the range from 23 to 25 t/ha and switchgrass from 16 to18 t/ha. The priority directions of bioenergy development in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine have been identified, one of the important parts of which should be the growing of biomass of perennial cereals such as Miscanthus giganteus and switchgrass with the expansion of the cultivation area on marginal lands up to 1 million hectares in the coming years. Keywords: bioenergy crops; biomass; Miscanthus giganteus; switchgrass; components of technology; yield; optimisation; feedstock quality; processing; biofuel.