Influence of harvesting time on biochemical composition and glucose yield from hemp
Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 56 Kreutzwaldi, EE51014, Tartu, Estonia;
*Correspondence: marti.tutt@emu.ee
Abstract:
Abstract. This article investigates the influence of different harvesting times of hemp samples on their biochemical composition and glucose conversion yield. Samples were harvested from experimental fields of the Estonian University of Life Sciences from July to September in 2011. Dilute sulfuric acid solution was used for pretreatment in combination with enzymatic hydrolysis. Results indicate that the highest glucose conversion rate of 204.1 g kg-1 of dry matter of biomass was achieved by samples harvested on the 18th of August. The lowest glucose yield of 170.3 g kg-1 was achieved by samples harvested on 25th of August, which also had a very low hydrolysis efficiency of 46.9%. Biochemical composition and glucose conversion efficiencies of samples vary in time. Samples harvested in September have higher cellulose and lignin content than samples harvested in July. However, glucose conversion efficiencies decrease significantly in later samples. Average hydrolysis efficiency was 51.4%.
Key words:
cellulose, dilute acid pretreatment, glucose, hemp