Page 10 – Farm Energy

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

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.

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Abstract
Harvesting for Biomass
Storage as Dry Hay Bales
Storage in Bunker or Silo Bags
Summary
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

Abstract

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

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

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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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Abstract
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why Is This Important?
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

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. …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Larry Smart, Cornell University

Larry Smart, a professor in Cornell University’s Department of Horticulture since July 2009, is a plant geneticist and physiologist who has been a leader of efforts in genetic improvement of fast-growing shrub willow as a bioenergy crop since 1998. He has assembled a large and diverse collection of willows, which serves as a basis for traditional breeding.

Using optimized techniques for pollen extraction and controlled pollination, his group has produced more than 450 new families of willow varieties, including a …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Research Summary: Development of a Single-Pass Cut-and-Chip Harvesting System for Short Rotation Woody Crops

Three-year old willow biomass crops on a four-year old root system prior to first harvest (Auburn, NY). Photo: Timothy Volk, SUNY ESF.

Woody biomass throughput is tripled using a new single-pass cut-and-chip harvesting system. Operator experience, crop characteristics, ground conditions, and speed all affect throughput.

Introduction
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why This Is Important
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

Introduction

Many types of specialized machinery for harvesting short rotation woody crops …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: Economics of Dryland Camelina Biofuels Production

This research funded by SARE. Learn More.

Is it economical to produce camelina for biodiesel? How do the economics work when its product is integrated as biofuel and livestock feed?

Abstract
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What Has Been Learned?
Why Is This Important?
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

Abstract

The recent focus on camelina production in the western United States has been generated by an interest in establishing this oilseed as a rotational crop …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Vernon Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension

Vern Grubinger is the vegetable and berry specialist and Extension Professor with the University of Vermont. He helps farmers with a wide variety of technical issues in production, especially soil stewardship and pest management. He has developed an information network that connects growers through his Vegetable and Berry Grower website, a list serve, newsletter, and a variety of educational workshops and conferences. He also serves as coordinator of USDA’s Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE), …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

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.

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Abstract
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why Is This Important?
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

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 …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Poplar (Populus spp.) Trees for Biofuel Production

If you are looking for a comprehensive article on poplar for biofuel production, this is for you.

Second year growth on poplars at the Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest demonstration site near Jefferson, OR.

Introduction
Current and Potential Use as a Biofuel
Biology and Adaptation
Production and Agronomic Information
Harvest
Potential Yields
Production Challenges
Estimated Production Cost
Environmental/Sustainability Issues
Feasibility
Summary
Bibliography
For More Information
Contributors to This Summary

Introduction

Poplars (Populus spp.) are popular trees …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Castor Bean for Biofuel Production

Figure 1. Castor bean plant. Source: www.library.illinois.edu/vex/toxic/castor/8-29-13.jpg.

Introduction
Current Potential for Use as a Biofuel Feedstock
Biology/Adaption
Production
Production Challenges
References
Contributors

Introduction

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) has been used for many years as an industrial oilseed crop because of its high seed oil content ( ~50%), unique fatty acid composition (high in ricinoleic acid)and lubricity, potentially high oil yields (from <100 to >250 gallons/acre have been reported), and its ability to grow under varying …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Research Summary: Sequestration of Carbon by Shrub Willow Offsets Greenhouse Gas Emissions

View down the alley of a shrub willow biomass energy crop in the third growing season at SUNY-ESF. Photo: Timothy Volk.

Grown for biofuel, energy-efficient shrub willow sequesters carbon below-ground, life-cycle assessment shows.

Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why This is Important
For More Information
Contributors to this Summary

Abstract

Shrub willow is a short-rotation woody biomass crop that could be an important part of our renewable energy future. By sequestering carbon in below-ground biomass, it can …

Storing Perennial Grasses Grown for Biofuel

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Abstract

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

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Research Purpose

Larry Smart, Cornell University

Research Summary: Development of a Single-Pass Cut-and-Chip Harvesting System for Short Rotation Woody Crops

Table of Contents

Introduction

Research Summary: Economics of Dryland Camelina Biofuels Production

Table of Contents

Abstract

Vernon Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension

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

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Abstract

Poplar (Populus spp.) Trees for Biofuel Production

Table of Contents

Introduction

Castor Bean for Biofuel Production

Table of Contents

Introduction

Research Summary: Sequestration of Carbon by Shrub Willow Offsets Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract