Storing Perennial Grasses Grown for Biofuel

No matter how you store harvested perennial grasses grown for biofuel feedstock, be sure to minimize dry matter losses and maintain uniform physical and chemical properties.

 

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Abstract

After-harvest storage methods of switchgrass and other perennial grasses grown for biofuel have a significant effect on the profitability …

Research Summary: Management Practices Impact Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Harvest of Corn Stover for Biofuels

Residue management and tillage can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soils during production of corn stover for biofuel.

 

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Corn stover trial field. Photo: Virginia L. Jin.

 

Research Purpose

Crop residues such as corn stover are on track to make up a large part of our future renewable-energy supply. …

Research Summary: Near-Infrared (NIR) Analysis Provides Efficient Evaluation of Biomass Samples

Near-infrared analysis allows plant breeders and biorefiners to rapidly measure the composition of a biomass sample.

 

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Abstract

Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) have found that genetic, management, storage, and environmental factors affect the chemical composition of switchgrass samples. Using a database of …

Control Weeds in Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.) Grown for Biomass

Manage weeds immediately, with mowing and herbicides, when seeding switchgrass grown for biomass. Weed competition is the most common cause of failure.

 

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Introduction

Switchgrass has a reputation for being difficult to establish and requiring three years to reach an acceptable stand. Due to advancements …

Plant Breeders Create New and Better Switchgrass Varieties for Biofuels

Through  innovations such as new hybrids, delayed flowering, and genomics, plant breeders hope to double biomass yields of switchgrass and other bioenergy crops by 2020.

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Introduction

As plant breeders develop perennial crops dedicated to bioenergy, they use innovations such …

Research Summary: Research Finds Strong Genetic Diversity in Switchgrass Gene Pools

Genetic diversity in native switchgrass populations will benefit new varieties developed for biofuel production and ecosystem services.

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Abstract

Mike-Casler
Dr. Mike Casler, USDA ARS Plant Breeder has helped lead efforts to improve switchgrass yield 40%.

Identification of gene pools and their geographic patterns will help in the development of new …

Test Plots Show How Perennial Grasses Can Be Grown for Biofuels

Use these protocols to set up test plots of perennial grasses to demonstrate to producers the potential for growing bioenergy feedstocks.

 

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Researchers, farmers, and industry representatives across the country are interested …

Successfully Harvest Switchgrass Grown for Biofuel

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Learn rationale and best practices & equipment for harvesting perennial grass biomass.

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Delaying harvest until after a killing frost …

Logistical Challenges to Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a Bioenergy Crop

There’s more to producing a crop like switchgrass for bioenergy than just growing it. Harvesting, storing, transporting, and selling perennial grass feedstocks must be taken into consideration to make it a successful venture.

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Although switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and other perennial grasses such as Indian grass …

Research Summary: Biochar Can Improve the Sustainability of Stover Removal for Bioenergy

By returning biochar created by fast pyrolysis to the soil, more stover residue can be harvested for bioenergy without degrading soil quality or hurting crop yields in the long run.

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Research Activities

Biochar being incorporated by tillage.

Photo: David Laird, Iowa State University.

David Laird, professor of agronomy at Iowa University, hypothesized …