Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora Loisel.): The Case for Utilization of a Colonizing Plant Species

Gregory J. Duns

Keywords:

Spartina alterniflora; cord grass; bioresources; biomass utilization; renewability; sustainability

Abstract:

The status of utilization of colonizing plants (weeds) must be regarded as being in infancy. With the increasing need for alternative feedstocks to replace petroleum, which is used to produce energy, chemicals, and other products, attention is now on alternative sources of biomass, such as agricultural and forestry residues. However, weeds represent a considerable amount of biomass which remains a largely untapped resource. Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora Loisel.) is an example of such a species that has yet to be exploited to its full potential. This coastal, salt-tolerant plant has proliferated in many areas, especially in China, forming extensive stands. The species was introduced to China from North America, about 40 years ago, for coastal erosion protection. Since introduction, smooth cordgrass has colonized the coastal areas forming extensive stands along China’s eastern seaboard. These infestations have become a severe problem at many locations in the eastern coastal regions. The present report is a case study and perspective concerning the utilization of smooth cordgrass in China. I describe examples of the economical and efficient utilization of the plant’s biomass to form a variety of practical products on a commercial scale. These show that it is possible to find new and effective ways to achieve large-scale usage of otherwise waste biomass from this species and others, which are similar. Further comprehensive research and development towards full valorization of smooth cordgrass with innovative utilization are required. The future will hopefully see increasing utilization of weeds to meet the increasing demand for resources that are sustainable and renewable.