Oat as a Potential Source of Energy

Abstract

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the agricultural crops that can be grown in marginal areas. Grain and straw are used mainly for food and fodder purposes. However, due to the high-fat content in the grain and the small amount of ash, it can be an attractive raw material for energy production. The biomass can be straw and oat grain. Grain should be intended for food purposes, but if it does not meet the quality requirements, it can be used for energy purposes. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the energy usefulness of four oat cultivars depending on the applied level of nitrogen fertilization. The research results show that oat grain and straw can be used as fuel for energy purposes. The average calorific value of grain was 18.7 MJ·kg−1, and the ash content in dry matter was 2.03%. With the increase in the dose of nitrogen fertilization, a decrease in the calorific value of oat and straw grains and a decrease in ash content were noted. The findings show significant varietal differences. Oat straw had a lower calorific value and a higher ash content, which indicates its lower usefulness for energy purposes compared to grain.