01.10.2025
Amaranth and Silphium perforifolia: promising crops for biogas production
In the search for alternative and sustainable feedstock sources for biogas plants, special attention is currently being paid to non-traditional crops. In addition to corn and silage grasses, amaranth and Silphium perfoliatum are of interest. These plants not only produce high biogas yields but also offer agroecological benefits: drought tolerance, positive soil health, and low maintenance requirements.
Comparative crop productivity
Comparative crop productivity
Drought Tolerance and Soil Impact
Amaranth: Uniquely tolerates heat and minimal moisture, its root system penetrates deeply and structures the soil.
Sulphia perfoliata: A strong root system up to 3 meters deep strengthens the soil, increases its water holding capacity, and prevents erosion.
Corn: Severely suffers from lack of moisture, especially during critical growth stages.
Cost-Efficiency
Amaranth is suitable for drought-prone regions, providing a stable yield where corn often "burns."
Sulphia perfoliata is a long-term investment: the high initial plantation costs are recouped by the subsequent 10-15 years of minimal costs and stable yields.
Both crops can be used in monoculture or in combination with traditional crops, diversifying the feedstock base for a biogas plant. Amaranth and sulfia perfoliata are more than just "alternative" plants. They represent a new generation of energy crops that:
provide high biogas yields;
are easy to maintain and resistant to climatic stress;
improve soil health and the regional ecology;
help reduce the risks associated with fluctuations in corn yields.
For farmers and investors in the biogas industry, these crops are becoming a strategic resource, providing stable energy production and additional profits.
Amaranth: Uniquely tolerates heat and minimal moisture, its root system penetrates deeply and structures the soil.
Sulphia perfoliata: A strong root system up to 3 meters deep strengthens the soil, increases its water holding capacity, and prevents erosion.
Corn: Severely suffers from lack of moisture, especially during critical growth stages.
Cost-Efficiency
Amaranth is suitable for drought-prone regions, providing a stable yield where corn often "burns."
Sulphia perfoliata is a long-term investment: the high initial plantation costs are recouped by the subsequent 10-15 years of minimal costs and stable yields.
Both crops can be used in monoculture or in combination with traditional crops, diversifying the feedstock base for a biogas plant. Amaranth and sulfia perfoliata are more than just "alternative" plants. They represent a new generation of energy crops that:
provide high biogas yields;
are easy to maintain and resistant to climatic stress;
improve soil health and the regional ecology;
help reduce the risks associated with fluctuations in corn yields.
For farmers and investors in the biogas industry, these crops are becoming a strategic resource, providing stable energy production and additional profits.
Complexity of agricultural technology
Amaranth: An annual crop that requires annual sowing. It adapts well to various soil types, is drought-resistant, and recovers quickly from stress.
Sulfia perfoliata: A perennial crop with a plantation lifespan of 10–15 years. The first two years require more care (rooting and weed control), but after that, it requires virtually no tilling or chemicals.
Corn: Highly dependent on fertilizers and irrigation, requires annual sowing, and is prone to crop failure during drought.
Amaranth: An annual crop that requires annual sowing. It adapts well to various soil types, is drought-resistant, and recovers quickly from stress.
Sulfia perfoliata: A perennial crop with a plantation lifespan of 10–15 years. The first two years require more care (rooting and weed control), but after that, it requires virtually no tilling or chemicals.
Corn: Highly dependent on fertilizers and irrigation, requires annual sowing, and is prone to crop failure during drought.
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