Miscanthus 'Autumn Starwort' is a perennial energy crop grown for the production of biofuels and other eco-friendly products. The culture propagates by rhizomes and begins to germinate in April at a soil temperature of 10–12 °C, and the growing season ends in October–November. In optimal conditions, the plant can reach heights over 4 meters, with stem diameters up to 2 cm, providing significant biomass per unit area.
'Autumn Starwort' is mainly grown on marginal, low-productive lands with low fertility. This allows preserving humus and reducing soil erosion, as well as ensuring high yields – up to 25 t/ha of dry biomass with sufficient rainfall (approximately 700 mm). The crop has the ability to absorb heavy metals from the soil, making it useful for bioremediation.
After 3–5 years of cultivation, 'Autumn Starwort' reaches its production effect. Harvesting vegetative mass is carried out in December–March when stem moisture reaches 17 %. The resulting biomass can be processed into pellets, briquettes, biogas, cellulose, eco-friendly building materials, compost, and animal feed. The plant is also used as solid biofuel and in the production of bioadditives, bedding for animals, and eco-paper.
