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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 …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

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

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Introduction
Control Weeds in Seeding Year
Weed Control in Established Switchgrass
Growing Switchgrass on Grassland
Using Herbicides
Conclusion
For Additional Information
Contributors to this Article

Introduction

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

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

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

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

The Attractions of Switchgrass
New Goals for Plant Breeders
Going After More Biomass
Other Genetics Goals
Creating Biofuels Crops for the Future
FAQ
For Additional Information
Contributors to this Article

Introduction

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

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

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

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

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 …

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

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

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Introduction

Plant Breeders Create New and Better Switchgrass Varieties for Biofuels

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Introduction

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

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Abstract