Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 193-204 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 200 8 Future Prospects and Research Gaps 8.1 Integration of genomic, agronomic, and technological innovations At present, improving the energy use efficiency (EUE) of sorghum mainly relies on the improvement of agronomic management (such as irrigation, tillage, and fertilization) and biomass pretreatment technology. However, the combination of genomics and precision agriculture technology is still in its early stages. In the future, it is necessary to integrate the genomic information of sorghum with agronomic measures (such as reduced tillage, straw mulching, and microbial enhanced fermentation, etc.) to promote collaborative innovation. Meanwhile, the combined application of high-throughput phenotypic analysis, molecular breeding and intelligent management systems should be strengthened to enable the continuous improvement of EUE (GCL et al., 2019; Lopez-Sandin et al., 2019; Rai et al., 2022; Ren et al., 2024). 8.2 Long-term multi-environment trials to assess stability of EUE gains Most of the current research is energy efficiency assessment conducted in a single or short-term environment, lacking systematic trials involving multiple years and multiple ecological zones. In the future, long-term field trials should be carried out under different climate zones, soil types and multiple management models to systematically evaluate the stability and adaptability of EUE improvement measures. Meanwhile, it is necessary to analyze the interaction between the environment and management measures to provide a scientific basis for the promotion of sorghum EUE in different regions (Jankowski et al., 2020; Rai et al., 2022; Pietro Garofalo et al., 2025). 8.3 Development of cost-effective tools for smallholder farmers Nowadays, the EUE improvement technology for sorghum is more widely applied in large-scale farms, while small-scale farmers find it difficult to promote it due to limited funds, technology and equipment. In the future, it is necessary to focus on developing low-cost and easy-to-operate management tools, such as simple irrigation control, low-input biomass pretreatment methods, and the use of local resources to replace organic fertilizers. Meanwhile, it is necessary to strengthen technical training and demonstration to increase the adoption rate and economic benefits of small-scale farmers. (Lopez-Sandin et al., 2019; Jankowski et al., 2020; Ren et al., 2024). 8.4 Climate change modeling for sorghum EUE projections Climate change will bring uncertainties to the growth environment and energy utilization efficiency of sorghum. Future research should integrate climate models to simulate the changing trends of sorghum EUE under different temperature, precipitation conditions and extreme climate events. Meanwhile, the effects of adaptive management measures should be evaluated to provide scientific references for policy-making and planting structure adjustment (Bazaluk et al., 2021; Pietro Garofalo et al., 2025). 9 Concluding Remarks The main methods to enhance the energy utilization efficiency of sorghum include: improving irrigation management, optimizing fertilization plans, applying efficient tillage and mulching measures, developing biofortification and pretreatment technologies, as well as conducting genetic improvement and molecular breeding. Moderate deficiency irrigation can save water, maintain production, and improve the efficiency of water and energy utilization, making it suitable for sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions. The rational use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and the return of farmland straw to the field can increase biomass, grain production and biofuel output, while making energy input and output more reasonable. Adopting methods such as minimum tillage, covering crop residues, and reduced tillage can improve soil structure, increase energy output, and enhance the stability of the system. In terms of biomass pretreatment, the combination of bioenhanced silage and alkaline pretreatment can significantly improve the degradability and enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of sorghum straw, providing a new approach for efficient conversion into bioenergy. In addition, molecular breeding and genetic engineering, such as enhancing resistance to iron deficiency and nitrogen utilization efficiency, are also strengthening the production capacity of sorghum under adverse conditions.
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