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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.

 

Sponsoring Partner

CenUSA-Logo
Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Table of Contents

Introduction

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

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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.

Sponsoring Partner

CenUSA-Logo
Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Table of Contents

Introduction

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

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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.

Sponsoring Partner

CenUSA-Logo
Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Table of Contents

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 …

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Size of ground biomass particles is significant logistically

by Oladiran Fasin

As part of preparing biomass for conversion into biofuels, biomass is ground through mills such as a hammer mill (Figure 1) or a knife mill. The ground biomass particles are then fed into conversion vessels and/or stored in hoppers that are often attached to storage vessels (Figure 2). Creating a steady flow of the biomass particles out of the hopper is a significant issue for processing and conversion. Often, biomass flow from storage containers will be disrupted …

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Sustainability on the Farm

Learn about sustainability indicators used to gauge and evaluate a farm’s progress toward a more sustainable future.

Contour farming with buffer strips. These conservation practices reduce erosion and water pollution.. Photo: NRCS/USDA; Wikimedia Commons.

Table of Contents

Sustainability on the

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Cary Weiner, Colorado State University Extension

 

Cary Weiner is Clean Energy Specialist for Colorado State University Extension.  He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.  His previous experience includes being Renewable Energy Planner for the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico and both a budget analyst and environmental educator for the State of New Mexico.  In his current position with CSU Extension, Cary develops and delivers statewide energy programming to consumers, volunteers, teachers, and agricultural producers.  He has published and peer …

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Ben Jackson – University of Georgia

Ben Jackson is a professor and Timber Harvesting Extension Specialist in the School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. He received a PhD in forestry from Texas A&M University.  Currently, he is the leader of the Wood Energy Community of Practice.

Ben specializes in woody biomass and conventional forest products harvesting and transportations issues, forest road construction, and alternative forest products.   Over the years, he has developed many forestry-related educational products and programs for forest landowners, …

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Bioenergy Resources from the Sun Grant Initiative

The Sun Grant Initiative is a national network of land-grant universities and national laboratories partnering to help build a bio-based economy.

The Sun Grant Initiative facilitates communication and partnership development between universities, national laboratories, federal and state governments, the private sector and public interest groups to lead the nation towards a renewable, sustainable, domestic energy industry. Sun Grant Centers are also charged with reviving America’s farming communities by placing an emphasis on rural economic …

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Technological Processes: Thermochemical

Introduction

Woody biomass is converted into useful forms of energy (i.e. solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels) as well as useful products (e.g. polymers, bio-plastics, char, pellets, and acids) using a number of technological processes. Thermochemical processes depend on the relationship between heat and chemical action as a means of extracting and creating products and energy. This fact sheet briefly covers some of the more important thermochemical conversion and production processes used for obtaining bio-based energy and products from woody biomass.…

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Camelina for Biofuel Production

Camelina is a feedstock for biodiesel. Info on production and challenges; specific guides for US growing regions.

Camelina Research
Camelina Research at Sustainable Oils http://www.susoils.com/camelina/researchadv.php

Contents

Introduction

Camelina (Camelina Sativa L. Crantz), sometimes called “false flax” is a member of the mustard (brassica) family.  It contains 30 to 40% oil by weight.  The oil is mostly unsaturated (90%) and is high in Omega-3 fatty acids making it useful …

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