## 5 Cultivation Techniques
Lately, techniques that use plants obtained through in vitro micro-propagation have been increasingly gaining ground as they ensure uniformity of growth, high production standards, the possibility of mechanizing operations, and practically 100% rooting. Since domestic cane is a plant with a high photosynthetic capacity and is able to make the best use of soil fertility, soil nutrition can be easily managed--for example, using sewage sludge and/or the digestate that is normally available from the biogas producers [101]. Bio-ethanol and BMP yields are particularly high for this species when compared to other energy crops (Table 4), which consequently shows high energy yields and CO\({}_{2}\)-saving potential (Table 5). **Miscanthus** refers to the species _Miscanthus sinensis_ Anderss, one of 14-20 species within the genus _Miscanthus_ (part of the Poaceae family). These plants are native to Southeast Asia and were initially introduced into Europe in the 20 th century as ornamental plants. Miscanthus has adapted well to temperate climates and is resistant to low temperatures. Although the shoots and leaves can be damaged at temperatures close to 0 \({}^{\circ}\)C, the rhizomes, if well developed, can remain viable at temperatures below 0 \({}^{\circ}\)C for a long time [101]. Regarding soil preferences, although widely adaptable, Miscanthus plants prefer deep, sandy soils rich in organic matter. The biomass of Miscanthus benefits greatly from a supply of water and, therefore, fully develops its production potential in well-irrigated areas [101]. The interest in this species is relatively recent and, consequently, there is only a limited number of studies on the genetic variability, for both morphological and productive characters. Currently, the most used genotype in experimental sites is _Miscanthus x giganteus_, a sterile Miscanthus hybrid of _M. sinensis_ and _M. sacchariforus_. The different multi-year trials carried out with this genotype indicate that the average yields in the period of maximum accumulation of dry matter are equal to about 30 t ha\({}^{-1}\) year\({}^{-1}\) from the year subsequent to that of establishment. The \"giganteus\" variety can only be propagated by vegetative means, using rhizomes or micro-propagated seedlings. Multiplication by rhizomes can be achieved through mechanical extirpation from one-year-old plants: the stumps can be fragmented into rhizomes of acceptable size by a rotary tiller, while commercially available machines, suitably modified, can be used for the collection of rhizomes from the soil [105]. This species has an elevated bio-ethanol and bio-ETBE yield (Table 4) and a relatively low LHV (Table 5). **Switchgrass** (_Panicum Vigatum_ L.) belongs to the family Poaceae. It is an herbaceous plant, C4, rhizomatous, perennial, and native to North America, where it has spread from the 55\({}^{\circ}\) N latitude down to Mexico as an important species in the prairies and pastures. It is used for many different purposes, including the production of energy [71]. Varieties from America can adapt to the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean area. Switchgrass is an undemanding crop, adapted to resist water stress and long periods of intense cold. Regarding the characteristics of the soil, its growth is generally favored in moist and loamy soils. The main processing of the soil and subsequent preparatory work do not differ from those normally applied for other renewal crops sown in late spring, such as maize and sorghum [101]. Switchgrass requires an optimal seedbed preparation in order to achieve good seedling emergence. In the first year of cultivation, dry matter production levels of 6 to 12 t ha\({}^{-1}\) are expected, while in the following years, from 14 to 24 t ha\({}^{-1}\) of dry matter can be obtained [101]. A relatively high LHV has been reported for this species (Table 5).