Part 1 – Making the decision

Introduction

Wind turbines are devices that transform the energy in wind into electricity.  In some parts of Pennsylvania, very large wind turbines are visible on ridgetops and high elevations, generating power for use on utility distribution lines.  However, it may also be possible for individual farmers, homeowners, or businesses to install a wind turbine to provide electricity for them to use on site.  This approach is called “distributed wind”, and while it is not …

Authors: Gary Musgrave, Bill Lazarus, Dan Ciolkosz, Penn State Extension

Overview:

This business opportunity plan (BOP) describes the steps involved for a hypothetical farm (called “Green Mallard Farm”) to contribute manure to a community anaerobic digester that is operated by a separate digester company. The community digester uses the manure from the farm (and other farms) to produce biogas from manure (and perhaps other feedstocks such as perennial grass and food waste). The biogas may be used to produce electricity …

Example Analyses of the Wood Chips and Paperboard Manufacturing Industries as Biomass Markets.

Introduction

Greene Team pellets. Photo: NEWBio

The production of biofuels is a primary intended use for biomass. Because the cellulosic biofuels industry is still developing, there is not yet sufficient capacity in biofuel refineries to utilize biomass crops grown for cellulosic biofuels. However, the bioeconomy overall is growing, and many products other than biofuels can be manufactured from biomass. These byproducts may be alternate markets [i] for …

Table of Contents

Terminating a cover crop in spring using a roller-crimper. The dead vegetation helps to minimize both erosion and competing weeds. Photo: Rodale Institute

• Overview (Year 2)
• 2.1 Terminate Cover Crop (April/May)
• 2.2 Plant (Late April to Early June)
  • Timing | Planting Stock | Planting Equipment | Planting Pattern
• 2.3 Pre-emergent Herbicide (after initial planting)
• 2.4 Inter-planting and Replanting (after initial planting)
• 2.5 Crop Monitoring (June-September) 
• 2.6 Weed Control (June-September)
• 2.7 Pest and Disease Control (June-September)
• 2.8 Maintain

Table of Contents

A well prepared willow field and headland area ready for sowing of cover crop. Photo:SUNY-ESF

• Year 1 Overview
• 1.1 Site Assessment (January-April)
• 1.2 Establishment Plan (January-April)
• 1.3 Site Improvements (April-July)
• 1.4 Clear Existing Vegetation (July)
• 1.5 Contact Herbicide (July)
• 1.6 Soil pH Amendments (August)
• 1.7 Plow (August)
• 1.8 Disc (August)
• 1.9 Pick Rocks (August)
• 1.10 Assess Weed Control (Early September)
• 1.11 Sow Cover Crop (Early September)
• Year 2 – Planting and Maintenance
• For Additional Information
• Contributors to