Characterization of kenaf potential in Portugal as an lndustrial and energy feedstock

The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of crop management on the kenaf biomass quality and productivity, in Portugal, in order to access its potential as an industrial and energy feedstock. To do so, the effects of different varieties, sowing dates, plant populations, different irrigation and nitrogen fertilization levels in the biomass quality and productivity, were studied. Productivity was affected by the level of irrigation but not by the level of nitrogen fertilization. Higher productivities were obtained in the fields with 301 and 400 mm of water added. Biomass quality was not affected either by the level of irrigation of the fields either by the level of N-fertilization. Productivity and biomass quality were affected by the sowing date but not by the plant population. Plants sowed earlier presented better productivities and better quality for fuel and pulp purposes than plants sowed latter. Tainung 2 and Everglades 4 1 presented similar productivities and mineral composition. Everglades 41 showed better quality for fuel purposes and Tainung 2 better quality for pulp purposes. Possibilities of industrial utilization under different field conditions were assessed and discussed, in the perspective of sustainable growth and development.