Near-infrared analysis allows plant breeders and biorefiners to rapidly measure the composition of a biomass sample.
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Table of Contents
- 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 100 samples, they are constructing a robust near-infrared (NIR) calibration for switchgrass that can be used, ultimately, for other warm-season perennial grasses.
The initial NIR calibration for switchgrass appears to be accurate for measuring 23 plant properties, including cell wall components and soluble sugars. The final NIR calibration will be used for breeding improved bioenergy crop lines and will eventually be released to biorefiners to be used commercially in both thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes.
Research Purpose
Knowledge of biomass composition is critical in order to breed improved bioenergy crops. This knowledge also enables biorefiners to rate the quality of biomass delivered to their factory gates, which bears directly on the feedstock’s performance and conversion efficiency in the processing facility.
Laborious wet chemistry methods precisely measure various carbohydrates, lignin, waxes, and other chemical properties. However, analysis time per sample is slow—on the order of weeks—and therefore impractical for characterizing thousands of samples for breeding purposes or for rating delivered biomass while a delivery truck waits to unload. The solution is to scan the samples with NIR, which analyzes a sample in seconds in a simple and nondestructive way.
Research Activities
By adapting wet chemistry methods, Bruce Dien and Victoria Nguyen of the USDA-ARS analyzed the chemical composition of more than 100 samples that were supplied by their colleagues Robert Mitchell, Michael Casler, and Kenneth Vogel. Akwasi Boateng of the USDA-ARS is processing an identical sample set for pyrolysis conversion to biofuel. Vogel and Boateng are also analyzing the samples for elemental constituents and forage quality measurements.
The data set, which builds upon previous research by Hans Jung, former USDA-ARS researcher, will eventually be analyzed to correlate chemical composition with pyrolysis results and to construct an NIR calibration by Robert Mitchell and Michael Casler.
What We Have Learned
Switchgrass composition varies widely, depending on genetics, management, and environmental factors. Knowledge of composition is important because it directly affects product conversion yields and the reaction conditions for optimal processing. NIR offers an accurate measurement of biomass samples within minutes.
Why Is This Important?
A rapid and inexpensive method for analyzing chemical composition of switchgrass and other warm-season grasses will enable effective plant breeding of improved bioenergy crop lines. It will also help commercial biorefiners to efficiently and accurately grade delivered biomass right at the factory gate.
Additional Notes
- Waxes and lipids (hexane extractables)
- Soluble sugars: Sucrose, Glucose and Fructose
- Storage carbohydrates: Starch and Fructans
- Cell wall components: Cellulose, Xylan, Arabinan, Galactan, Mannan, Uronic Acids (e.g., Pectin), Klason Lignin, Acid Soluble Lignin, P-coumarate esters, esterified ferulates, etherified ferulates
- Calculated: Theoretical ethanol
- Others: Ash, Minerals, and Detergent fiber components (NDF, ADF, and ADL.)
For More Information
Contact Dr. Bruce Dien, lead scientist, Bioenergy Research Unit, ARS, Peoria, IL Bruce.Dien@ars.usda.gov, 309-681-6270
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Vogel, Kenneth P., Bruce S. Dien, Hans G. Jung, Michael D. Casler, Steven D. Masterson, and Robert B. Mitchell. “Quantifying actual and theoretical ethanol yields for switchgrass strains using NIRS analyses.” BioEnergy Research 4, no. 2 (2011): 96-110.
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Boateng, A. A., K. B. Hicks, and K. P. Vogel. “Pyrolysis of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) harvested at several stages of maturity.” Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 75, no. 2 (2006): 55-64.
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Crop Management Impacts Biofuel Quality: Influence of Switchgrass Harvest Time on Yield, Nitrogen and Ash of Fast Pyrolysis Products; Danielle M. Wilson, Dustin L. Dalluge, Marjorie Rover, Emily A. Heaton, and Robert C. Brown, BioEnergy Research, July 2012.
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Managing and Enhancing Switchgrass as a Biofuel Feedstock, Robert Mitchell, Kenneth Vogel, and Gautam Sarath, USDA-ARS
Dr. Bruce Dien at work on research in the laboratory. -
CenUSA Project Resources – information on the opportunities and challenges in developing a sustainable system for the thermochemical production of biofuels from perennial grasses grown on land marginal for row crop production.
Contributors to This Summary
Author:
- Bruce Dien, lead scientist, Bioenergy Research Unit, ARS, Peoria, IL
- Susan J. Harlow, Freelance Journalist
Peer Reviewer:
- F. John Hay, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
CenUSA Bioenergy is a coordinated research and education effort investigating the creation of a regional system in the Central US for producing advanced transportation fuels from perennial grasses on land that is either unsuitable or marginal for row crop production. 
In addition to producing advanced biofuels, the proposed system will improve the sustainability of existing cropping systems by reducing agricultural runoff of nutrients in soil and increasing carbon sequestration.
CenUSA is supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2011-68005-30411 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.