Environmental advantages
Miscanthus
Miscanthus:
a crop that is good for the environment
Perennial and requiring very few inputs, miscanthus cultivation provides environmental services, or ecosystem services: protection of water resources, erosion control, carbon storage in the soil, biodiversity, reduction of inputs, etc. These services have been or are currently the subject of research projects and are now well documented.
Miscanthus plots provide a wide range of ecosystem services, or environmental services. Miscanthus is a perennial crop that can be grown for around 20 years and provides a solution to many environmental issues: a miscanthus plot is multifunctional!
Protection of water resources
Miscanthus plays a key role in protecting drinking water catchments and reducing diffuse pollution (nitrates, pesticides). Thanks to its dense and deep root system, it limits the leaching of inputs into groundwater. Projects such as MisEauVert (INRAE, Novabiom, 2025) have shown that planting miscanthus in catchment areas (AAC) helps to restore water quality by significantly reducing the transfer of nitrates and pesticide residues. Miscanthus requires virtually no chemical inputs after the first year, making it an ideal crop for sensitive areas.
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Soil protection against erosion
The permanent ground cover (stems, stalks, leaves) and deep root system of miscanthus provide effective protection against wind and water erosion. Studies conducted by AREAS and the Normandy Chamber of Agriculture, supported by the Seine Normandy Water Agency through the INNOBIOMA project, have demonstrated the value of miscanthus as a lignocellulosic strip (BLC) for reducing gully formation, limiting runoff, and retaining fertile soil in plots. Whether planted in strips or across the entire plot, it acts as a natural barrier against erosion, even on sensitive or sloping soils.
For almost 10 years, Novabiom has been offering specific support for these miscanthus/erosion projects, mainly in the Hauts-de-France, Normandy, and Grand Est regions. We offer a two-row planter that is well suited for these strip planting projects.
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Reduction in the IFT
No pesticides once the planting year is over.
First year: One or more weedings are necessary to ensure good establishment. They can be chemical, mechanical, or a combination of both.
Subsequent years: no treatment is required thanks to the dense ground cover and natural mulching, which prevents weeds from growing.
Impact: Over 20 years, the IFT of miscanthus is close to 0 on average, compared to 3 to 5 for crops such as corn or wheat.
High energy ration
Energy ratio (energy produced/energy consumed) of around 30 to 45 (sources: DTI and AILE study).
Autonomous culture
Nutrient recycling: Miscanthus draws nitrogen and nutrients from deep underground and stores them in its rhizomes during each cycle, during the senescence phase, eliminating the need for external inputs. There are no significant exports. Therefore, there is no systematic fertilizer input.
Water efficiency: Miscanthus is a C4 photosynthetic crop, which is very efficient in its use of water, meaning that irrigation is not necessary. Its root system allows it to draw water from deep underground, and its permanent cover reduces evapotranspiration.
The growing season is long: from March to October, with good use of water released in winter.
In the face of climate change challenges, these advantages make miscanthus a resilient crop.
Very favorable carbon footprint
CO₂ storage: Miscanthus stores the equivalent of 1.4 to 3.3 tons of CO₂ per hectare per year in the soil, depending on soil and climate conditions (source: CE-CARB).
Low emissions: No annual plowing, minimal mechanization, and no chemical inputs.
Thus, over the production cycle, including harvesting and storage on the farm, miscanthus cultivation allows for a net storage of 1 to 3 tons of CO2 equivalent per hectare per year.
Substitution for fossil fuels: used as biomass, it replaces fuel oil, coal, or gas, reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
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Culture highly conducive to the development of biodiversity
A refuge for wildlife
The border areas and areas of lower density are home to a diverse flora, which provides food for small wildlife.
Permanent habitat: Unlike annual crops, miscanthus provides year-round shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals.
Species diversity: Studies and counts show a significant presence of small fauna and microfauna, including beneficial organisms (pollinators and natural predators of pests).
Large wildlife is also observed frequenting the plots. The planting of miscanthus must be carefully considered so as not to create areas of settlement without wildlife management.
Novabiom supports farmers in choosing best practices to limit constraints and maximize benefits, for example by selecting developments in ecological corridors: In strips, they create links between natural areas, promoting the movement of species. (photo opposite: @G de Valicourt)
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