Characterization of the Chemical Composition of the Halophyte Salicomia bigelovii under Cultivation

Straw of the halophyte Salicornia bigelovii was chemically analyzed for lignocellulosic components, extractives, and ash in relation to varying cultivation conditions (namely, irrigating water salinity and fertilizer grade). Irrigation water contained 10-50 ppt salt, and fertilizer application varied between 1 and 2 gN/m(2). Composition of the biomass was comparable to traditional lignocellulosic biomasses, containing glucan (up to 27 g/100 g total solids (TS)), xylan (up to 23 g/100 g TS), and lignin (24 g/100 g TS), but also high amounts of ash (up to 53 g/100 g TS) and water-ethanol soluble extractives (up to 25 g/100 g TS). As most of the ash is extractable (up to 90%), a simple water wash is sufficient to bring the ash content down to a typical value found in the lignocellulosic materials. It was found that increasing water salinity used for the plant irrigation decreases lignocellulosic components content, increases ash content, and does not affect extractives content. The fertilizer application rate was not found to influence any of the responses, except for ash composition (lowering mineral content) and its amount in the flowering spike fraction. Stem and spike fractions were found to be significantly different in composition, with stems being closer to a typical lignocellulosic material.