Economic and energy efficiency of strip cultivation of giant miscanthus for biomass production

Purpose. The research aims to comprehensively assess the biomass yield and economic and energy efficiency of giant miscanthus cultivation, depending on the improvement of crop cultivation technology in strip plantings under conditions of the Forest-Steppe. Methodology. The research is based on the results of a long-term field experiment carried out in the period of 2020–2024 using a three-factor scheme with four replications. The influence of the growing season, cultivation method (single-species and strip plantings with lupin) and fertilisation system (mineral and biological preparations in various doses) on biomass yield formation was investigated. Yield was determined by measuring dry biomass in separate plots. Economic efficiency was assessed using indicators of production costs, profit, and profitability, whereas energy efficiency was assessed based on energy output, energy gain, and the energy efficiency coefficient. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out using analysis of variance, regression and cluster analysis. Results. It was established that strip cultivation of giant miscanthus provides significantly higher dry biomass compared to single-species plantings. The average yield in strip plantings ranged from 20.95 to 22.18 t/ha, whereas in single-species plantings it ranged from 19.11 to 19.90 t/ha. The highest yield and economic efficiency were obtained with the combined use of mineral fertiliser and biological preparation at 50% each. Under these conditions, the profit was 16.7 thousand UAH, and profitability reached 190.9%. The application of mineral fertiliser and biological preparation at 50% of each dose also ensured the maximum energy efficiency coefficient of 1.4 and the highest total energy accumulated in biomass – 439.2 GJ/ha. Originality. This study is one of the first attempts to provide an integrated agronomic, economic and energy assessment of strip cultivation of giant miscanthus with lupine under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. The novelty consists in determining how the combination of cultivation method and reduced rates of mineral fertiliser and biological preparation affects biomass yield, profitability and energy efficiency compared with single-species plantings. The results substantiate an optimised resource-saving fertilisation option for increasing biomass production efficiency under limited resource conditions. Practical implications. The results can be used by agricultural enterprises, biomass producers, bioenergy companies, advisory services, researchers and public authorities to introduce resource-saving technologies for growing perennial energy crops, increase the economic feasibility of biomass production and develop effective local bioenergy systems.