Mechanization of Rhizome Extraction in Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) Nurseries

Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a perennial rhizomatous grass that is currently indicated as an alternative crop for bioenergy production. Cultivation of giant reed for energy purposes requires the identification of an appropriate propagation technique, usually carried out with stem cuttings and rhizomes. Both methods are very efficient, but also very expensive as they require demanding and labor-intensive manual work. This study aimed at verifying the viability of a mechanical method for in situ rhizome extraction, using a modified stump grinder. Three different machine settings were tested with the goal of obtaining rhizomes with variable length, ranging between 4.4 and 6.4 cm. Survival rate and shoot production were used to determine the vitality of rhizomes with different lengths. The study confirmed the viability of mechanical rhizome production in giant reed nurseries.