A comparative and evaluative study of potential biogas production from crops of teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc) Trotter) in Ethiopia

Abstract

The research on suitable alternative clean energy carriers to substitute for the use of fossil fuels is rapidly attracting attention. Biogas is an energy carrier that is considered as a possible alternative in both the developed and the developing world. However, finding suitable energy crops to extract biogas without affecting food security is still a debatable issue. In this context, the present study was conducted with the aim of assessing the potential adoption of teff for biogas production to meet part of the energy needs of Ethiopia. The methane potentials of teff grown for one, two and three month as well as the teff seeds were determined and compared with the methane potentials of corn and wheat. It was found that teff plants that were harvested after two months had higher methane potential, then one and three months teff and the two months teff had a methane potential similar to that of corn. Pre-treatment of two months teff with alkali ash or hydrolytic enzymes did not increase its methane potential.

Keywords: Biogas, Methane, Ethiopia, Teff