Better utilization of Lolium perenne in biorefineries based on its chemical composition

The cutting date has a major effect on the quality and chemical composition of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) biomass. The present study was conducted to find the impacts of cutting date on grass biomass qualities, in order to develop a better utilization strategy of L. perenne in biorefineries. The nutritive values of ten different L. perenne varieties, each cut at two different maturity stages, were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We found that the cutting dates had essential effects on grass quality. Further work will focus on defining the cutting dates regarding specific grass utilizations.