Giant Maize Types in UK Bio-gas Trials

John Burgess with bio-gas variety Ronaldinio (right) and standard maize (left)

According to the company’s UK maize specialist, John Burgess, the German plant breeder has had a specialist energy maize breeding programme for nearly ten years.

The work initially featured gigantic, South American material with delayed flowering that produced very high yields and 10,000 cubic metres of methane/ha.

German growers have been quick to realise this potential and there are now over 4000 on-farm biogas plants feeding their national grid.  Every hectare down to maize provides sufficient electricity to power 5 houses per annum.

“Our aim is in the UK is to provide growers with the right types for their specific region, in line with Renewable Energy Obligations, once they start to kick in,” says Mr Burgess. 

The company claim that new types – currently in the trials – can produce fresh weight yields of up to 70t/ha - 30% higher than the best forage maize varieties.

Most successful types are late maturing and have a very large, but robust plant structure.  “We specifically select for hybrids displaying good stability, with buttress roots that are longer and stronger than other, preventing collapse,” says John.

Fermentation studies show that highest bio-gas production comes from those energy maize varieties where the proportion of cob is at least 45% of the total maize plant yield, as opposed to purely green stover.

Pictured is the variety Ronaldinio – (left) equivalent to NIAB Group 4/5, alongside a standard forage maize.  The company also has hybrids equivalent to Group 3 and Group 6 maturity classes in trial.

Masstock trials are specifically looking at the optimum seed rates for maximum bio-gas production from these giant maize varieties.

KWS continues to test standard forage maize varieties across the UK and will be holding a range of farmer open days later this summer.   For more information, contact John Burgess at john.burgess@kws-uk.co.uk