Moonbeam

Moonbeam is a giant miscanthus variety grown in Ukraine as an energy crop. It is a perennial plant with upright stems ranging from 80 to 200 cm in height and dense rhizomes capable of growing on marginal or low-yield soils. Thanks to its high yield of dry biomass (20–25 t/ha) and green biomass (over 50 t/ha), this variety becomes a valuable energy source.

Planting schedules are planned considering climatic features: planting from rhizomes is carried out in April when the soil temperature reaches 10–12 °C. The risk of frost is most critical at the end of spring and the beginning of the first winter, so plant protection is necessary during these periods. Miscanthus adapts well to adverse soils, including high salinity, and is capable of absorbing heavy metals from the soil, making it useful for bioremediation.

In terms of usage, Moonbeam has a high calorific value (5 kWh/kg) and high cellulose content (64–71 %). This allows pellets, briquettes, biogas, and raw materials for ecological building materials to be produced from it. Additionally, its residues are used as compost and feed additives. For efficient biofuel production, it is important to locate the field no further than 50 km from the facility.

The variety is distinguished by its resistance to adverse conditions: it can grow in zone 5 (–29 °C), withstands both drying out and over-wetting of the soil. With proper care, including regular checking of potassium levels every five years and the use of specialized technical means for planting, Moonbeam ensures a stable yield and long-term productivity.