The Characteristics of Bamboo Charcoal Derived from Bambusa vulgaris Schrad and Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl Growing in Different Types of Habitats

Altitude is one of the factors that affect the growth of bamboo. Bamboo species used in this study was Bambusa vulgaris and Arundinaria gigantea. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effect of altitude to the characteristics of bamboo charcoal harvested from three different altitudes (Lumpangi, Banjarbaru/Martapura, Marabahan). Parameters tested in this study were moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon and calorific value. The result showed that altitute significantly affected the characteristics of bamboo charcoal. Bamboo charcoal from Banjarbaru/Martapura had the best characteristics than the charcoal produced from other locations. The moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon and calorific value of B. vulgaris were 0.77 %; 3.49 %; 8.63 %; 87.11 % and 7,331.05 kal/g. The moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon and calorific value of A. gigantea were 0.19 %; 12.46 %; 4.48 %; 87.11 % and 6,640.69 kal/g, respectively.

Nutrient Dynamics and Decomposition of Riparian Arundinaria gigantea (Walt.) Muhl. Leaves in Southern Illinois

<p class="1Body">Leaf litter quality and quantity can influence soil nutrient dynamics and stream productivity through decomposition and serving as allochthonous stream inputs. Leaf deposition, nitrogen (N)-resorption efficiency and proficiency, and decomposition rates were analyzed in riparian stands of <em>Arundinaria gigantea </em>(Walt.) Muhl.<em> </em>in southern Illinois for the first time to determine potential nutrient cycling from riparian canebrake restoration. Leaf litter was collected from five established canebrakes monthly over one year and a decomposition study was conducted over 72 weeks. Live leaves, freshly senesced leaves, and decomposed leaves were analyzed for carbon (C) and N content. Leaf litterfall biomass peaked in November at twice the monthly average for all but one site, indicating a resemblance to deciduous leaf fall patterns. Nitrogen and C concentrations decreased 48% and 30%, respectively, between live leaves and 72 weeks following decomposition. High soil moisture appeared to slow decomposition rates, perhaps due to the creation of anaerobic conditions. Cane leaves have low resorption proficiency and nutrient-use proficiency, suggesting that these riparian canebrakes are not N limited. Giant cane should be considered in multispecies riparian buffer creation since it has this potential to supply carbon and nitrogen to the soil and to macroinvertebrates in the streams for a longer period of time and year round.</p>