Many Cornfields - But Another Plant Could Have Advantages - Cup Plant: Promising Energy Crop, But Potential Invasive Threat
A study by the University of Bayreuth, set to be published in February 2024, suggests that the cup plant, or Silphium perfoliatum, could potentially become invasive. This plant, originally from North America, has been researched in Europe as a potential alternative to maize for biogas and energy production.
The cup plant, also known as the Biksen-Krautpflanze or Durchwachsene Silphie, is a multi-year plant that can grow up to three meters tall. Unlike maize, it doesn't need to be resown every year, helping to prevent soil erosion in autumn and winter. Studies have shown that in its third and fourth years, nitrate leaching can be up to 99% lower with cup plant cultivation compared to corn. The cup plant's deep root system promotes soil microorganism activity, improving soil quality over time. It also copes better with drought and yields more biomass than corn, making it a promising alternative for energy production even in the face of increasing drought due to climate change. However, as of now, the cup plant is cultivated on only about 2,647 hectares in Bavaria, compared to around 402,300 hectares of corn silage. The University of Bayreuth's study highlights the potential of the cup plant as an alternative to corn for energy production, but also raises concerns about its potential invasiveness.
The cup plant, while showing promising results as an alternative energy crop, may pose a risk of invasiveness according to a forthcoming study by the University of Bayreuth. Further research and careful monitoring are needed to understand and mitigate any potential ecological impacts.
