Mischantus: the future of green energy?

Have you ever heard of mischantus? Behind this name with an unusual spelling is a plant with enormous potential in terms of heating, mulching, insulation for the home and many other virtues. Unfortunately, the mischantus is still little known, but could nevertheless represent the future of energy. Find out everything you need to know about this plant.

Description and cultivation of mischantus

The mischantus is a plant with a long stem, similar to a reed or a cane. It is known to be very resistant, even at very low temperatures. It grows naturally on the Asian continent, more precisely from Japan and was introduced to Europe around 1935 in Denmark. It was not until 1990 that it was imported to France.

The mischantus grows very easily and is cultivated without difficulty. It is very dense, between 12,000 and 15,000 vines per hectare. It can reach 4 meters in height and can survive even without watering on stony or sandy soil.

The different possible uses of mischantus

Mischantus is a very versatile plant that can be used in many areas.

Heating

This is the main use of the mischantus. This plant is a very good ecological alternative to wood since its calorific value far exceeds that of the latter. Indeed, the figures indicate 4,700 kWh/tonne, against 3,300 kWh/tonne for wood. The moisture content of mischantus is also lower.

The only real drawback with this biomass is that the usual wood boilers are not necessarily suitable for it. A device capable of rising to a higher temperature is needed and its high silicon content leads to the obstruction of the chimneys. Finally, it produces more ash compared to wood.

Mulching

Mischantus is rich in silicon. When the mischantus is used as a mulch, this characteristic is very advantageous for the plants, since the silicon allows the humidity to be retained longer and the microbial life of the soil to be preserved.

Roses, for example, benefit very well from the use of mischantus as mulch. Their stems and spines are stronger. In addition, mischantus has a neutral pH, which is suitable for any plant you grow.

A food supplement for cattle

The fact of using mischantus as a food supplement for bovids allows them to better ingest fodder and optimize the rationing of their diet. English cattle farmers are increasingly including this plant in the feed of oxen and cows, which improves the quality of the milk produced.

What are the main benefits of growing mischantus?

Mischantus is not only a versatile plant, but its cultivation is also advantageous in many respects.

Use of very few inputs

It is a plant that grows very easily and grows almost alone. The use of inputs is only necessary during the first year of planting, with a maximum quantity of 5 kg per hectare.

Floor protection

The use of very few inputs helps to preserve the soil. Its long roots also protect the soil from erosion and the mischantus recycles nitrogen easily, which naturally fertilizes the soil without adding other additional agents.

Ability to purify water

The very dense roots of mischantus have a capacity to absorb heavy metals and chemical agents. Therefore, if you plant it in an area where the water has been contaminated, the mischantus will be able to purify the water and make it usable.