Evaluation of the Factors that Affect The Lignin Content in The Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) in Latvia

: In the production of granules from plants the cohesive substance lignin has a great importance, as it holds the granule together and does not allow it to disintegrate. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influencing factors of lignin content in reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) crop yield. In this research the varieties of reed canarygrass ‘Marathon’ and ‘Bamse’ were analysed for yields of first and second year. The lignin content of the samples was established by Classon's method. Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) and other chemical elements were established in the reed canarygrass samples with the spectrometer Optima 2100DV. The reed canarygrass second year crop yield was 3-4 times greater than the first year crop yield. A significantly correlation (p<0.05) was established in the first crop yield October samples between lignin and natrium (Na). Some correlation relationships are contradictory, which confirms that within the plant growth period the meteorological conditions are of great importance. Analysing the determining factors of lignin content it can be seen that they were influenced by the interaction of various factors - the sowing and growing period, the variety and the N-fertilizer rate application.