Feasibility study of the commercial production of biofuels from dedicated biomass crops on mined-out bauxite lands in Moengo, Suriname

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Feasibility study of the commercial production of biofuels from dedicated biomass crops on mined-out bauxite lands in Moengo, Suriname

January 5, 2019

This project is an agronomic study aimed at examining the feasibility of establishing selected grass species on mined-out bauxite lands within Suriname and determine their suitability for the production of bioenergy.
The project was extended to accommodate a knowledge management component to sensitize national authorities on the approaches for dealing with mine-out bauxite lands and the potential value of renewable energy alternatives to the national economy. The SURALCO site in Moengo was selected for the investigation.
The three species selected were Gynerium sagittatum, Pennisetum purpureum (Schumach) also known as Napier grass and Pennisetum purpureum (purple “Prince”). The plants were propagated by cuttings in a nursery and transplanted to the field in a replicated randomized block design trial on a 0.7 ha plot. Three levels of NPK fertilizers were tested on the selected plant species. Plant growth data were collected over a period of a year. Soil and plant tissues were also analyzed for accumulation of heavy metals to determine suitability of biomass use.