The Effect of Mechanical Conditioning on Physical Conditions of Miscanthus Plants

Miscanthus is an emerging dedicated energy crop, which can provide excellent yield on marginal lands. However, this crop is more difficult to harvest than many conventional energy crops such as corn stover and switchgrass due to its tall and rigid stalks. Crop samples for laboratory studies were collected from the field and the effects of roll spacing, roll speed, and crop input of a mechanical conditioning device on the physical conditions of miscanthus were studied in a lab setting. Test results showed that mechanical conditioning is effective to change the physical conditions of miscanthus to make baling possible or easier. Results also showed that the roll spacing had the most significant impact on the physical conditions of miscanthus, shown by a 115% increase in conditioning over a 0.95 cm (75%) reduction in roll spacing. Increased roll spacing and speed were shown to decrease the amount of torque required to condition the miscanthus.