A sustainable biogas production requires the use of a biomass that is not in competition with food production and does not require a high energy input for its production. Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) was evaluated at ensiling to establish its suitability for methane production. The cardoon was harvested at full bloom (Stage I) and seed ripening (Stage II), and was then treated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Higher fermentative products (lactic acid and ethanol) and DM losses were determined at Stage I than at Stage II. The advanced stage of maturity (Stage II) determined a higher fiber content and lower methane yield per tonne of volatile solids than at Stage I. No difference was observed between the methane production at harvesting and that after ensiling, thus indicating the ability of the ensiling process to conserve most of the energy of the crop at harvesting.

可持续的沼气生产需要使用与粮食生产不竞争的生物质，并且不需要为生产而投入大量能源。卡杜恩（Cynara cardunculusL.）在封存时进行了评估，以确定其对甲烷生产的适用性。在盛开（第一阶段）和种子成熟（第二阶段）时收获该菜豆，然后用乳酸菌（LAB）进行处理。与第一阶段相比，第一阶段确定了更高的发酵产物（乳酸和乙醇）和干物质损失。成熟期（阶段II）比阶段I确定了更高的纤维含量和每吨挥发性固体较低的甲烷产率。收获时和收口后的甲烷产量之间没有观察到差异，因此表明了收口的能力收获时节省作物大部分能量的过程。