ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC VALUES OF GIANT REED (ARUNDO DONAX L.)

Abstract

Giant reed is one of the most promising biomass crops for bioenergy or biochemical production (Arundo donax L.). It is resistant to a wide range of environmental stresses and can thus be grown on marginal lands that cannot support traditional food crops. Even though it has been reported that the introduction of biomass crops as an alternative to traditional food crops may improve the agricultural sector's economic situation, competition for land between food and non-food crops must be avoided. Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a perennial rhizomatous grass that has piqued the interest of bioethanol producers due to its high biomass yield in marginal land areas, high polysaccharide content, and low inhibitor levels in microbial fermentations. This chapter discusses various estimates from various studies as well as the potential contribution of giant reed to ecological and economic values.