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April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Bioenergy Crops Provide Valuable Ecosystem Services

Biofuel perennial grass and woody crops provide significant benefits for humankind.

Pollinator on shrub willow. Photo: Giuseppe Tumminello, U. Syracuse.

What is an Ecosystem Service?
Perennial Bioenergy Crops Can Provide Exceptional Ecosystems Services
Ecosystem Services Provided by Perennial Grasses and Woody Crops
The Economies of Growing Perennial Bioenergy Crops for Ecosystem Services
Summary
For More Information
Contributors to this Summary

What Is an Ecosystem Service?

A functioning ecosystem is the intricate environmental relationship of soil, water, microorganisms, …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

CenUSA Models Predict Large Water Quality Improvements from Perennials

CenUSA’s System Performance team research shows water quality benefits when biofuels are produced from perennial grasses; provides guidance for policymakers, farmers, and the bioenergy industry.

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

The Team and Objectives
Team Activities
Outcomes from The Team’s Work
Why This Work Is Important
Contributors to This Report
CenUSA Feedstock Development Team Publications

CenUSA-cycle-graphic

The Team and Objectives

Despite more than 40 years of largely voluntary efforts by federal, state and local government, …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: What Would it Take to Convince Farmers to Grow Switchgrass for Biomass?

Researchers delve into the economic incentives that would induce farmers to grow switchgrass for cellulosic 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

Abstract

A survey of crop farmers in the North-Central region of the United States finds that they would ask for an average of $230 per acre, or about $82 per dry ton, to …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: Overview of Comparative Injury Risk Between Annual Corn and Perennial Switchgrass Production

A probabilistic risk assessment model has been created to compare estimated worker injury risk of corn vs switchgrass production.

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Introduction
Injury risk model
Comparing injury risk in corn and switchgrass production systems
Summary
References
Contributors to This Summary

Introduction

Switchgrass is a perennial crop alternative for biofuel production on marginal land in the U.S. Cornbelt. Estimating change in worker injury risk moving from corn to switchgrass production would be …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

CenUSA Feedstock Development Creates Improved Switchgrass Varieties

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

CenUSA Feedstock Development Team identifies gene pools and genetic diversity for improved switchgrass varieties and increased yields.

Team Objectives
The Team and Collaborators
Team Activities
Outcomes from The Team’s Work
Why This Work Is Important
Contributors to This Report
CenUSA Feedstock Development Team Publications

CenUSA-cycle-graphic

Team Objectives

The objective of the CenUSA Feedstock Development team is to develop new and improved perennial grass varieties and hybrids that can be used …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

CenUSA Extension and Outreach: Perennial Grass Bioenergy Research and Knowhow for Producers, Students and Stakeholders

Bioenergy research is translated into practical know-how by extension educators, farmers and Master Gardeners.

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

The CenUSA Extension and Outreach Team
Citizen Science and Farm Research Provide Hands-On Learning
Programs for Youth
Challenges
Resources for Ongoing Learning
Contributors to This Report
CenUSA Extension and Outreach Team Publications

The CenUSA Extension and Outreach Team

On the streets, in the fields, and online, the CenUSA Extension and Outreach Team collaborators deliver programming …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

CenUSA Feedstock Conversion, Refining and Co-Products

Thermochemical processes convert biomass to liquid bio-fuel and produce biochar, a valuable co-product for soil quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Team Objectives
Collaborators
Team Activities
Outcomes from The Team’s Work
Future Work
Contributors to This Report
CenUSA Feedstock Conversion and Refining Team Publications

CenUSA-cycle-graphic

Team Objectives

The work of CenUSA’s Feedstock Conversion and Refining Team begins after the perennial-grass feedstock leaves the farmgate. What to do with the raw …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

CenUSA Feedstock Logistics: Innovative Systems for Harvest, Transportation, and Storage of Perennial Grass Biomass

New strategies, equipment, and processes make for improved efficiency and sustainability in the production of perennial grasses.

Sponsoring Partner

Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

CenUSA Logistics Team Objectives
Speeding Up Drydown at Harvest
Bale Compression for increased Density
Quantifying Necessary Tension of Baling Twine
Designing a Baler That’s Lighter, Cheaper, Simpler
Modeling for improved Harvest and Storage
The Out-Takes
Outcomes
Authors of This Report
CenUSA Logistics Team Publications

CenUSA-cycle-graphic

Team Objectives

The CenUSA’s Feedstock Logistics team’s …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: Switchgrass Hay Utillization as Roughage in Beef Diets

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Switchgrass Hay Could Be a Useful Roughage in Beef Diets While Offering a Market Alternative to Biofuels.

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

Introduction

Feedlots could use hay from perennial grasses such as switchgrass as an additional source of roughage in beef rations, at the same time providing a needed alternative market for producers who …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

FAQs about Perennial Grass (Switchgrass) Production for Biofuels

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

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Switchgrass. Photo: Dennis Pennington, Bioenergy Educator, Michigan State University.

Why is it important to be able to grow a consistent and uniform supply of a biomass feedstock?
Will switchgrass grow well in my region?
When should I plant switchgrass?
Should I fertilize switchgrass when I plant it?
Will weeds be a problem after my switchgrass stand is established?
How high should I cut switchgrass? I am growing

…

Bioenergy Crops Provide Valuable Ecosystem Services

Table of Contents

What Is an Ecosystem Service?

CenUSA Models Predict Large Water Quality Improvements from Perennials

Table of Contents

The Team and Objectives

Research Summary: What Would it Take to Convince Farmers to Grow Switchgrass for Biomass?

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Abstract

Research Summary: Overview of Comparative Injury Risk Between Annual Corn and Perennial Switchgrass Production

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Introduction

CenUSA Feedstock Development Creates Improved Switchgrass Varieties

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Team Objectives

CenUSA Extension and Outreach: Perennial Grass Bioenergy Research and Knowhow for Producers, Students and Stakeholders

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

The CenUSA Extension and Outreach Team

CenUSA Feedstock Conversion, Refining and Co-Products

Table of Contents

Team Objectives

CenUSA Feedstock Logistics: Innovative Systems for Harvest, Transportation, and Storage of Perennial Grass Biomass

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Team Objectives

Research Summary: Switchgrass Hay Utillization as Roughage in Beef Diets

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Introduction

FAQs about Perennial Grass (Switchgrass) Production for Biofuels

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Sponsoring Partner