Effect of gypsum application on agro-energy performance of sugarcane varieties cultivated in a semi-arid environment

Brazilian semi-arid soils can be dystrophic and often occur in areas with high agricultural potential. Gypsum application improves chemical and physical soil conditions, favoring root system development of plants and can improve sugarcane production for energy production, as a strategy for sustainable development, avoiding native vegetation destruction in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to analyze the impact of gypsum application on the agro-energy potential of three sugarcane varieties, through MS production, moisture, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, ash and gross calorific value (GCV). The experimental design consisted of 3 (varieties) x 2 (with and without gypsum) over two sugarcane growing periods in a completely randomized block design with four replications. The application of gypsum did not affect the tested agro-energy variables. GCV ranged around 17 MJ kg-1, confirming the suitability of the varieties for bioenergy use in semi-arid regions, but there were no significant differences between sugarcane varieties. Key words: Bioenergy, Saccharum spp, gross calorific value, oxisoils; soil amendments.