Resources from CenUSA – Sustainable Production and Distribution of Bioenergy for the Central USA

Sponsoring Partner

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 Bioenergy researchers from Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of Illinois and the USDA Agricultural Research Service cover topics of interest to producers and growers in the following resources. Learn more about the CenUSA Bioenergy Project.

CenUSA Bioenergy Learning Modules – Table of Contents

The CenUSA Legacy: Creating a Sustainable Biofuels and Bioproducts System for the Midwest
Module 1. Feedstock Development
Module 2. Sustainable Feedstock Production
Module 3. Feedstock Logistics: Harvest & Storage
Module 4. System Performance: Economics, Environment, Modeling, Analysis and Tools
Module 5. Feedstock Conversion and Biofuel Co-Products
Module 6. Markets and Distribution
Module 7. Health and Safety
“Formal” Education Programs and Curriculum
Extension Programs
CenUSA Social Media
- Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter
CenUSA Bioenergy Resources by Media Type
- Fact Sheets, Research Summaries, Webinars, Instructional Video, FAQs

Module 1. Feedstock Development

CenUSA Feedstock Team Developing Improved Switchgrass Varieties

Fact Sheets

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for Biofuel Production – Rob Mitchell, USDA-ARS (related PDF handout)
Plant Breeders Create New and Better Switchgrass Varieties for Biofuels– Michael Casler, USDA-ARS

Research Summaries

Near-Infrared (NIR) Analysis Provides Efficient Evaluation of Biomass Samples – Bruce Dien, USDA-ARS
Research Finds Strong Genetic Diversity in Switchgrass Gene Pools – Michael Casler

CenUSA switchgrass cultivar research comparing the weights of bales grown on Blane Steckly Farm in Nebraska. Photo: Keith Glewen, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Webinars

Switchgrass and Perennial Grasses, Biomass and Biofuels – Part 1 – Ken Vogel, USDA-ARS
Switchgrass and Perennial Grasses, Biomass and Biofuels- Part 2 – Ken Vogel, USDA-ARS
Switchgrass Production Industry Perspectives – David Stock, Stock Seed Farms
Diversifying Cellulosic Feedstocks – DK Lee
Aphid Resistance in Switchgrass CenUSA Bioenergy – Kyle Koch

Instructional Video

Plant Breeding to Improve Yield and Sustainability of Perennial Grasses – Michael Casler
Plant Pathogen Risk Analysis for Bioenergy Switchgrass Grown in the Central USA – Gary Yuen
Entomology Research: Examining Insect Populations and Exploring Natural Plant Resistance (Captions) – Tiffany Heng-Moss

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Journal Publications

Casler, M.D. (2014). Heterosis and reciprocal-cross effects in tetraploid switchgrass. Crop Sci. 54(5): 2063 . DOI: 10.2135/cropsci2013.12.0821.
Casler, M.D. & Vogel, K.P. (2014). Selection for biomass yield in upland, lowland, and hybrid switchgrass. Crop Sci. 54(2):626-636. DOI: 10.2135/cropsci2013.04.0239.
Dien, B. S., P.J. O’Bryan, R.E. Hector, L.B. Iten, R.B. Mitchell, N. Qureshi, S. Gautum, K.P. Vogel, & M.A. Cotta. 2013. Conversion of switchgrass to ethanol using dilute ammonium hydroxide pretreatment: influence of ecotype and harvest maturity. Environ. Technol. 34:13-14. DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2013.833640
Feng, Q., I. Chaubey, G.Y. Her, R. Cibin, B. Engel, J.J. Volenec & X. Wang. 2015. Hydrologic and water quality impacts and biomass production potential on marginal land. Environmental Modelling & Software. 72:230-238. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2015.07.004
Jahufer, M.Z.Z. & M.D. Casler. 2014. Application of the Smith-Hazel selection index for improving biomass yield and quality of switchgrass. Crop Sci. 55(3):1212. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2014.08.0575.
Koch, K., R. Fithian, T. Heng-Moss, J. Bradshaw, J., G. Sarath, & C. Spilker. (2014). Evaluation of tetraploid switchgrass populations (Panicum virgatum L.) for host suitability and differential resistance to four cereal aphids. J. Econ. Entomol. 107(1):424-431. 2014. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/EC13315
Koch, K., T. Heng-Moss, J. Bradshaw & G. Sarath, G. (2014). Categories of resistance to greenbug and yellow sugarcane aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) in three tetraploid switchgrass populations. Bioenerg. Res. 7:909-918. DOI: 10.1007/s12155-014-9420-1
Koch, K., N. Palmer, M. Stamm, J. Bradshaw, E. Blankenship, L. Baird, G. Sarath, and T. Heng-Moss. 2014. Characterization of Greenbug Feeding Behavior and Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Host Preference in Relation to Resistant and Susceptible Tetraploid Switchgrass Populations. Bioenergy Research 8: 165-174.
Nichols, V.A., F.E. Miguez, M.E. Jarchow, M.Z. Liebman & B.S. Dien 2014. Comparison of cellulosic ethanol yields from midwestern maize and reconstructed tallgrass prairie systems managed for bioenergy. Bioenerg. Res. 7: 1550. doi: 10.1007/s12155-014-9494-9
Price, D.L. & M.D. Casler (2014). Divergent selection for secondary traits in upland tetraploid switchgrass and effects on sward biomass yield. BioEnergy Res. 7(1):329-337. doi: 10.1007/s12155-013-9374-8
Price, D.L. & M.D. Casler. (2014). Inheritance of secondary morphological traits for among-and-within-family selection in upland tetraploid switchgrass. Crop Sci. 54:646-653. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2013.04.0273
Price, D.L. & M.D. Casler. (2014). Predictive relationships between plant morphological traits and biomass yield of switchgrass. Crop Sci. 54(2):637-645. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2013.04.0272
Ramstein, G.P., J. Evans S.M. Kaeppler, R.B. Mitchell, K.P. Vogel, C.R. Buell & M.D. Casler. 2015. Accuracy of genomic prediction in switchgrass improved by accounting for linkage disequilibrium. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genet. 6(4):1049-1062. doi: 10.1534/g3.115.024950. http://g3journal.org/content/6/4/1049.full
Resende, R.M.S., de Resende, M.D.V. & Casler, M.D. (2013). Selection methods in forage breeding: a quantitative appraisal. Crop Sci. 53:1925-1936.
Resende, R.M.S., Casler, M.D., & de Resende, M.D.V. (2014). Genomic selection in forage breeding: Accuracy and methods. Crop Sci. 54:143-156.
Schaeffer, S., F. Baxendale, T. Heng-Moss, R. Sitz, G. Sarath, R. Mitchell, & R. Shearman. 2011. Characterization of the arthropod community associated with switchgrass Poales: Poaceae in Nebraska. J. Kans. Entomol. Soc. 84(2): 87-104. https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/54245/PDF
Serapiglia, M.J., A.A. Boateng, D.K. Lee & M.D. Casler. (2016). Switchgrass harvest time management can impact biomass yield and nutrient content. Crop Sci. 56(4):1970-1980. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2015.08.0527
Serapiglia, M.J., B. Dien, A.A. Boateng & M.D. Casler. 2016. Impact of harvest time and switchgrass cultivar on sugar release through enzymatic hydrolysis. BioEnergy Res. DOI: 10.1007/s12155-016-9803-6
Serapiglia, M.J., C.A. Mullen, A.A. Boateng, B. Dien & M.D. Casler. 2016. Impact of harvest time and cultivar on conversion of switchgrass to fast pyrolysis bio-oils. BioEnergy Res. (In review).
Slininger, P.J., B.S. Dien, C.P. Kurtzman, B.R. Moser, E.L. Bakota, S.R. Thompson, P.J. O’Bryan, M.A. Cotta, V. Balan, M. Jin, M.D. Sousa & B.E. Dale. 2016. Comparative lipid production by oleaginous yeasts in hydrolyzates of lignocellulosic biomass and process strategy for high titers. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 113: 1676–1690. doi: 10.1002/bit.25928
Stewart C.L., J.D. Pyle, K.P. Vogel, G.Y. Yuen & K.G. Scholthof. 2015. Multi-year pathogen survey of biofuel switchgrass breeding plots reveals high prevalence of infections by Panicum mosaic virus and its satellite virus. Phytopathology 105:1146-1154. doi:10.1094/PHYTO-03-15-0062-R
Vogel, K.P., G. Sarath & R.B. Mitchell. 2014. Micromesh fabric pollination bags for switchgrass. Crop Sci. 54(4): 1621-1623. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2013.09.0647
Vogel, K.P., Mitchell, R.B., Casler, M.D. & G. Sarath. (2014). Registration of ‘Liberty’ switchgrass. J. Plant Registration 8:242–247. DOI: 10.3198/jpr2013.12.0076crc.

Module 2. Sustainable Feedstock Production

Fact Sheets

Guidelines to Growing Perennial Grasses for Biofuel and Bioproducts (PDF) – Rob Mitchell
Estimated Cost of Establishment and Production of “Liberty” Switchgrass: Perennial Grass Decision Support Tool – Mainul Hoque, Georgeanne Artz, Chad Hart
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for Biofuel Production – Rob Mitchell, USDA-ARS (related PDF handout)
Storing Perennial Grasses Grown for Biofuel – Kevin Shinners
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L) Stand Establishment: Key Factors for Success – Rob Mitchell (related PDF handout)
Logistical Challenges to Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a Bioenergy Crop – Amy Kohmetscher, Stuart Birrell
Test Plots Show How Perennial Grasses Can Be Grown for Biofuels – (related PDF handout)
Successfully Harvest Switchgrass Grown for Biofuel; Kevin Shinners, Pam Porter (related PDF handout)
Control Weeds in Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.) Grown for Biomass – Rob Mitchell, USDA-ARS

Research Summaries

CenUSA switchgrass trials at the University of Nebraska. Photo: F. John Hay, University of Nebraska Lincoln.

Biochar Can Improve the Sustainability of Stover Removal for Bioenergy – David Laird
Biofuel Quality Improved by Delaying Harvest of Perennial Grass – Emily Heaton

Webinars

Diversifying Cellulosic Feedstocks – DK Lee
Switchgrass Economics in the North Central Region of the USA (Captioned) – Richard Perrin
Switchgrass Establishment, Weed Control, and Seed Quality – Rob Mitchell
No-Till Drill Calibration Training Video (+Captions) – Rob Mitchell
Switchgrass and Bioenergy Crop Logistics – Stuart Birrell
Switchgrass Cost of Production – Marty Schmer
Competition for Land Use: Why would the rational producer grow switchgrass for biofuel? – Keri Jacobs
Overview of Switchgrass Diseases – Stephen Wegulo
Perennial Herbaceous Biomass Biomass Production and Harvest in the Prairie Pothole Region of the Northern Great Plains – Susan Rupp
Biochar and Beyond with ARTi – Matt Kieffer, Juan Proano and Bernardo del Campo
Switchgrass Decision Tool – Keri Jacobs and Chad Hart

Instructional Video

Intro to No-Till Drill Calibration for Switchgrass (+Captions) – Rob Mitchell
Switchgrass Planting Practices for Stand Establishment – Rob Mitchell
How to Measure Stand Establishment Using a Grid – John Guretzky
Harvesting Native Grass for Biofuel Production (+Captions) – Rob Mitchell
Optimizing Harvest of Perennial Grasses for Biofuel – Kevin Shinners, Pam Porter (related PDF handout)
Role of Biochar in Achieving a Carbon Negative Economy – David Laird
Commercialization Update: Opportunities for Perennial Biofeedstocks – Rob Mitchell
Plant Pathogen Risk Analysis for Bioenergy Switchgrass Grown in the Central USA – Gary Yuen
Entomology Research: Examining Insect Populations and Exploring Natural Plant Resistance (Captions) – Tiffany Heng-Moss

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Journal Publications

Archontoulis, S.V., I. Huber, F.E. Miguez, P.J. Thorburn & D.A. Laird. 2016. A model for mechanistic and system assessments of biochar effects on soils and crops and tradeoffs. GCB Bioenergy 8: 1028–1045. doi: 10.1111/gcbb.12314
Bakshi, S., D.M. Aller & D.A. Laird. 2016. Comparison of the physical and chemical properties of laboratory- and field-aged biochars. J. Environ. Qual. 45(5):1627-1634. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301675850_Comparison_of_the_Phy… 10.2134/jeq2016.02.0062
Bonin C., Heaton E.A. & Barb J. (2014). Miscanthus sacchariflorus: biofuel parent or new weed? Global Change Biology Bioenergy. Article first published online: 31 JAN 2014 DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12098.
Cibin, R., E. Trybula, I. Chaubey, S.M. Brouder & J.J. Volenec. 2016. Watershed scale impacts of bioenergy crops on hydrology and water quality using improved SWAT model. GCB Bioenergy 8(4):837-848. doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12307
Coulman, B., Dalai A., Heaton E.A., Lefsrud M., Levin D., Lemaux, P.G., Neale D., Shoemaker S. P., Singh J., Smith D.L. & Whalen J.K. (2013). Lignocellulosic biofuel feedstocks. BioFPR, 7, 582-601; invited submission.
Dierking, R.M., D. Allen, S.M. Brouder & J.J. Volenec. 2016. Yield, biomass composition, and N use efficiency during establishment of four Miscanthus × giganteus genotypes as influenced by N management. Biomass Bioenergy 91:98-107. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2016.05.005
Dowd, P.F., G. Sarath, R.B. Mitchell, A.J. Saathoff & K.P. Vogel. 2012. Insect resistance of a full sib family of tetraploid switchgrass Panicum virgatum L. with varying lignin levels. Genet. Resour. Crop Evol. 60(3):975-983. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10722-012-9893-8/fulltext.html. doi:10.1007/s10722-012-9893-8
Emerson, R., A. Hoover, A. Ray, J. Lacey, M. Cortez, C. Payne, D. Karlen, S. Birrell, D. Laird, R. Kallenbach, J. Egenolf, M. Sousek, and T. Voigt. 2014. Drought effects on composition and yield for corn stover, mixed grasses, and Miscanthus as bioenergy feedstocks. Biofuels. 5(3):275-291.
Feng, Q., I. Chaubey, G.Y. Her, R. Cibin, B. Engel, J.J. Volenec & X. Wang. 2015. Hydrologic and water quality impacts and biomass production potential on marginal land. Environmental Modelling & Software. 72:230-238. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2015.07.004
Fidel, R.B., Laird, D.A., & Thompson, M.L. (2013). Evaluation of Modified Boehm Titration Methods for Use with Biochars. Journal of Environmental Quality. 42:1771-1778.
Fidel, R.B. 2015. Biochar properties and impact on soil CO2 and N2O emissions. Ph.D. diss., Iowa State University. http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5819&context=etd
Follett, R.F., K.P. Vogel, G. Varvel, Mitchell, R.B., & J. Kimble. 2012. Soil carbon sequestration by switchgrass and no-till maize grown for bioenergy. Bioenergy Res. 5(4):866-875. doi: 10.1007/s12155-012-9198-y
Graber, E.R., L. Tsechansky, R.B. Fidel, M.L. Thompson & D.A. Laird. 2016. Determining Acidic Groups at Biochar Surfaces via the Boehm Titration. In: B. Singh, M. Camps-Arbestain J. Lehmann, editors, Methods of Biochar Analysis. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, Chapter 8. (In press)
Heaton E.A., Schulte L.A, Berti M., Langeveld H., Zegada-Lizarazu W., Parrish D. & Monti, A. (2013). Integrating food and fuel: How to manage a 2G-crop portfolio. BioFPR. 7, 702-714; invited submission.
Johnson, J.M.F., D.L. Karlen, G.L., Gresham, K.B. Cantrell, D.W. Archer, B.J. Wienhold, G.E. Varvel, D.A. Laird, J. Baker, T.E. Ochsner, J.M. Novak, A.D. Halvorson, F. Arriaga, D.T. Lightle, A. Hoover, R. Emerson & N.W. Barbour. 2014. Vertical distribution of structural components in corn stover. Agriculture 4:274-287. doi:10.3390/agriculture4040274
Laird D.A., & Chang, C.W. (2013). Long-term impacts of residue harvesting on soil quality. Soil & Tillage Research. 134:33-40.
Mitchell, R., M. Schmer, B. Anderson, V. Jin, K. Balkcom, J. Kiniry, A. Coffin, A. & P. White. 2016. Dedicated energy crops and crop residues for bioenergy feedstocks in the Central and Eastern USA. BioEnergy Res. 9:384-398. doi: 10.1007/s12155-016-9734-2
Mitchell, R.B. & K.P. Vogel. 2016. Grass invasion into switchgrass managed for biomass energy. Bioenergy Res. 9(1):50-56. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12155-015-9656-4. doi:10.1007/s12155-015-9656-4
Ojeda, J.J., J.J. Volenec, S.M. Brouder, O.P. Caviglia & M.G. Agnusdei. 2016. Evaluation of Agricultural Production Systems Simulator APSIM as yield predictor of Panicum virgatum and Miscanthus x giganteus in several US environments. GCB Bioenergy. doi: 10.1111/gcbb.12384
Orr, M.J., Gray, M.B., Applegate,B., Volenec,J., Brouder, S., & Turco, R. (2015). Transition to second generation cellulosic biofuel production systems reveals limited negative impacts on the soil microbial community structure. Applied Soil Ecology 95:62-72. DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2015.06.002 (in press)
Owens V.N., Viands D.R., Mayton H.S., Fike J.H., Farris R., Heaton E.A., Bransby D.I. & Hong C.O. (2013). Nitrogen use in switchgrass grown for bioenergy across the USA. Biomass and Bioenergy. 58, 286-293.
Porter, P., R.B. Mitchell & K.J. Moore. 2015. Reducing hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico: Reimagining a more resilient agricultural landscape in the Mississippi River watershed. J. Soil Water Conserv. 70(3):63A-68A. http://www.jswconline.org/content/70/3/63A.refs
Rogovska, N., D.A. Laird & D.L. Karlen. 2016. Corn and soil response to biochar application and stover harvest. Field Crops Res. 187:96-106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2015.12.013
Rogovska, N., D.A. Laird, S.J. Rathke, and D.L. Karlen. 2014. Biochar impact on Midwestern Mollisols and maize nutrient availability. Geoderma. 230:340-347.
Serapiglia, M.J., A.A. Boateng, D.K. Lee & M.D. Casler, M.D. 2016. Switchgrass harvest time management can impact biomass yield and nutrient content. Crop Sci. 56(4):1970-1980. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/abstracts/56/4/1970. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2015.08.0527
Sindelar, A., M. , M. Gesch, F. Forcella, C. Eberle, M. Thom & D. Archer. 2015. Winter oilseed production for biofuel in the U.S. Corn Belt: Opportunities and limitations. GCB Bioenergy. doi: 10.1111/gcbb.12297
Trybula, E.T., R. Cibin, J.L. Burks, I. Chaubey, S.M. Brouder & J.J. Volenec. 2014. Perennial rhizomatous grasses as bioenergy feedstock in SWAT: parameter development and model improvement. GCB Bioenergy, 7: 1185–1202. doi: 10.1111/gcbb.12210
Vogel, K.P., G. Sarath & R.B. Mitchell. 2014. Micro-mesh fabric pollination bags for switchgrass. Crop Sci. 54:1621-1623. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2013.09.0647
Vogel, K.P., Mitchell, R.B., Casler, M. D. & Sarath, G. (2014). Registration of ‘Liberty’ switchgrass. Journal of Plant Registrations (accepted 25 Feb., 2014).
Waramit, N., Moore K.J. & Heaton E.A. (2013). Nitrogen and harvest date affect developmental morphology and biomass yield of warm-season grasses. Global Change Biology Bioenergy. Article first published online: 29 AUG 2013, DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12086
Woodson, P., S.M. Brouder & J.J. Volenec. 2013. Field-scale potassium and phosphorus fluxes in the bioenergy crop switchgrass: Theoretical energy yields and management implications. J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci. 176:387-399. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpln.201200294/abstract. doi:10.1002/jpln.201200294

Proceedings

Mitchell, R.B. (2013) Establishing and managing perennial grasses for bioenergy. Proc. 25th Annual Integrated Crop Management Conference, Iowa State University, pp. 49-51. 2013.
Mitchell, R.B., & Schmer, M.R. Switchgrass for biomass energy. Proc. Nebraska Crop Production Clinic Proceedings, University of Nebraska, pp. 13-16. 2014.

Abstracts

Dierking, R.M., Volenec, J.J. & Murphy, P.T. (2013). Forage yield and quality of Miscanthus giganteus subjected to simulated haying/grazing conditions. Abstract 245-5. Inter. Meeting of the Amer. Soc. Agron.-Crop Sci. Soc. of Amer.-Soil Sci. Soc. of Amer. Nov. 2-6, Tampa, FL.
Long, M.K., Volenec, J.J. & Brouder, S.M. (2013). Theoretical ethanol yield for potential bioenergy sorghum genotypes of differing compositions. Abstract 373-9. Inter. Meeting of the Amer. Soc. Agron.-Crop Sci. Soc. of Amer.-Soil Sci. Soc. of Amer. Nov. 2-6, Tampa, FL.

Module 3. Feedstock Logistics: Harvest & Storage

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

De Souza, A., Birrell, S.J., Steward, B.L & S. Ksketri. 2015. Moisture Content and Bulk Density Prediction Using Dielectric Properties for Switchgrass and Corn Stover. ASABE Paper No. 2160026, Am. Soc. of Agric. Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. doi:10.13031/aim.20152160026
Khanchi, A. & S.J. Birrell. 2015. Influence of weather and swath density on drying characteristics of corn stover. ASABE Paper No. 2190753. 2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting Am. Soc. of Agric. Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. doi: 10.13031/aim.20152190753. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE.
Lacy, N.C. & K.J. Shinners. 2016. Reshaping and recompressing round biomass bales. Trans ASABE. 59(4):795-802. doi:10.13031/trans.59.11778.
Shinners, K.J. & Friede, J.C. (2013). Improving the drying rate of switchgrass. ASABE Technical Paper No. 1591968.
Shinners, K.J. & Friede, J.C. (2013). Energy requirements for at-harvest or on-farm size-reduction of biomass. ASABE Technical Paper No. 1591983.
Shinners, K.J. & Friede, J.C., & Kraus, J. & Anstey, D. (2013). Improving bale handling logistics by strategic bale placement. ASABE Technical Paper No. 1591987.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Journal Publications

Karlen, D.L., J.L. Kovar, S.J. Birrell. 2015. Corn Stover Nutrient Removal Estimates for Central Iowa, U.S.A. Sustainability 2015 7(7): 8621-8634. http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/7/7/8621. (Open Access)
Khanchi, A. & S.J. Birrell, 2017. Effect of rainfall and swath density on dry matter and composition change during drying of switchgrass and corn stover. Biosystems Engineering 153:42-51.
Sharma, B., E. Brandes, A. Khanchi, S. Birrell, E. Heaton & F. E. Miguez. 2015. Evaluation of Microalgae Biofuel Production Potential and Cultivation Sites Using Geographic Information Systems: A Review. BioEnergy Res. 8(4):1714–1734. doi: 10.1007/s12155-015-9623-0
Williams,S.D. and K.J. Shinners. 2014. Farm-scale anaerobic storage and aerobic stability of high dry matter perennial grasses as biomass feedstock. Biomass & Bioenergy. 64:91-98.

Module 4. System Performance: Economics, Environment, Modeling, Analysis and Tools

AgSolver’s Field Report Card for Muth Stock Farms. Photo: AgSolver.

CenUSA Models Predict Large Water Quality Improvements from Perennials

Case Study

Making Business Decisions with Precision Data Can Encourage Perennial Grass Production

Fact Sheets

Estimated Cost of Establishment and Production of “Liberty” Switchgrass: Perennial Grass Decision Support Tool – Mainul Hoque, Georgeanne Artz, Chad Hart
The Economics of Switchgrass for Biofuel – Richard Perrin

Research Summaries

Competition For Land Use: Why Would a Rational Producer Grow Switchgrass for Biofuel? – Keri Jacobs
Management Practices Impact Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Harvest of Corn Stover for Biofuels – Virginia Jin
Minnesota Watershed Nitrogen Reduction Planning Tool – Bill Lazarus

Curriculum

Developing a New Supply Chain for Biofuels: Contracting for Dedicated Energy Crops – Corinne Alexander

Webinars

Competition for Land Use: Why would the rational producer grow switchgrass for biofuel? – Keri Jacobs
Diversifying Cellulosic Feedstocks – DK Lee
Perennial Herbaceous Biomass Biomass Production and Harvest in the Prairie Pothole Region of the Northern Great Plains – Susan Rupp
Switchgrass Cost of Production – Marty Schmer
Switchgrass Economics in the North Central Region of the USA (Captioned) – Richard Perrin

Instructional Video

Enhancing the Mississippi Watershed with Perennial Bioenergy Crops – Pam Porter
Role of Biochar in Achieving a Carbon Negative Economy – David Laird

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Journal Publications

Schmer MR, Vogel KP, Varvel GE, Follett RF, Mitchell RB, et al. (2014) Energy Potential and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Bioenergy Cropping Systems on Marginally Productive Cropland. PLoS ONE 9(3): e89501. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089501
Schilling, K., Gassman, P., Kling, C. T. Campbell, M. Jha, C. Wolter, & J. Arnold. (2103). The Potential for Agricultural Land Use Change to Reduce Flood Risk in a Large Watershed. Hydrological Processes (2013), wileyonlinelibrary.com, DOI: 10.1002/hyp.9865.
Rabotyagov, S., Kling, C.L., Gassman, P., Rabalais, N. & Turner, R. (2014). The Economics of Dead Zones: Causes, Impacts, Policy Challenges, and a Model of the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Zone. Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, published online Jan. 5, 2014 DOI:10.1093/reep/ret024
Keeler B., Krohn, B., Nickerson, T. & Hill, J. (2014). U.S. Federal agency models offer different visions for achieving Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) biofuel volumes. Environ. Sci. Technol. (2013) 47: 10095–10101. DOI: 10.1021/es402181y. (Cover Feature)
Panagopoulos, Y., Gassman, P., Arritt, R., Herzmann, D., Campbell, T., Jha, M., Kling, C.L., Srinivasan, R., White, M. & Arnold, J. (2014). Surface Water Quality and Cropping Systems Sustainability under a Changing Climate in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 69:483-494. DOI: 10.2489/jswc.69.6.483.
Rabotyagov, S., Valcu, A. & Kling, C.L. (2014). Reversing the Property Rights: Practice-Based Approaches for Controlling Agricultural Nonpoint-Source Water Pollution When Emissions Aggregate Nonlinearly. American Journal of Agricultural Economics 96 (2): 397-419. DOI 10.1093/ajae/aat094.

Module 5. Feedstock Conversion and Biofuels Co-Product

CenUSA Feedstock Conversion, Refining and Co-Products – Ryan Smith

Case Study

Renmatix Processes Biomass into Sugars for Industrial Use

Fact Sheets

CenUSA Biochar Research Flyer (PDF) – David Laird and Jill Euken
Pyrolysis: Process and Products (PDF) – Amy Kohmetscher
Fast Pyrolysis Efficiently Turns Biomass into Renewable Fuels – Robert Brown
Biochar: Prospects of Commercialization – David Laird and Pam Porter
Master Gardeners’ Safety Precautions for Handling, Applying and Storing Biochar – Charles Schwab and Mark Hanna

Research Summaries

Switchgrass Hay Could Be a Useful Roughage in Beef Diets While Offering a Market Alternative to Biofuels – Chris Clark
Biochar Can Improve the Sustainability of Stover Removal for Bioenergy – David Laird
2014 Extension Master Gardener’s CenUSA Biochar Demonstration Gardens: Is biochar a good soil amendment for home gardens? – Lynn Hagen

Concept for Pyrolysis Refinery Photo: Bioeconomy Institute at Iowa State University.

Webinars

Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass to Drop-In Biofuels – Robert Brown
Thermochemical Option: Biomass to Fuel – Robert Brown
Biochar and Beyond with ARTi – Matt Kieffer, Juan Proano and Bernardo del Campo

Instructional Video

Interactive Pyrolysis Lesson – Amy Kohmetscher
Biochar: An Introduction to an Industry – David Laird
Biochar 101: An Intro to Biochar – Kurt Spokas
Role of Biochar in Achieving a Carbon Negative Economy – David Laird
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Biochar Research Summary – Julie Weisenhorn

Journal Publications

Recent Publications About Biochar
Allen, R.M. & Laird, D.A. (2013). Quantitative prediction of biochar soil amendments by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 77:1784-1794.
Brown, T. R., Thilakaratne, R., Brown, R. C., & Hu, G. (2013). Techno-economic analysis of biomass to transportation fuels and electricity via fast pyrolysis and hydroprocessing. Fuel 106, 463–469, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2012.11.029.
Brown, T. & Brown, R. C. (2013). A review of cellulosic biofuel commercial-scale projects in the United States. Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefineries 7, 235-245. DOI: 10.1002/bbb.1387.
Brown, T. & Brown, R. C. (2013). Techno-economics of advanced biofuels pathways. Royal Society of Chemistry Advances 3 (17), 5758 – 5764, DOI: 10.1039/C2RA23369J.
Fidel, R.B., Laird, D.A. & Thompson, M.L. (2013). Evaluation of Modified Boehm Titration Methods for Use with Biochars. Journal of Environmental Quality. 42:1771-1778.
Kauffman, N., J. Dumortier, D.J. Hayes, R.C. Brown, and D.A. Laird. 2014. Producing energy while sequestering carbon? The relationship between biochar and agricultural productivity. Biomass and Bioenergy. 63:167-176.
Thilakaratne, R., Brown, T., Li, Y., Hu, G., & Brown R.C. (2014). Mild catalytic pyrolysis of biomass for production of transportation fuels: a techno-economic analysis. Green Chemistry, DOI: 10.1039/C3GC41314D.
Zhang, Y., Hu, G., & Brown, R. C. (2013). Life cycle assessment of the production of hydrogen and transportation fuels from corn stover via fast pyrolysis. Environ. Res. Lett. 8, 025001 doi:10.1088/1748-9326/8/2/025001.

Module 6. Markets and Distribution

Emerging newly planted switchgrass on a rolling Tennessee landscape. Photo: University of Tennessee.

Fact Sheet

T he Economics of Switchgrass for Biofuel – Richard Perrin
Utilization of Mature Switchgrass as Roughage in Feedlot Diets (PDF) – Chris Clark and Dan Loy

Research Summary

What Would it Take to Convince Farmers to Grow Switchgrass for Biomass? – Richard Perrin
Switchgrass Hay Could Be a Useful Roughage in Beef Diets While Offering a Market Alternative to Biofuels – Chris Clark
Competition For Land Use: Why Would a Rational Producer Grow Switchgrass for Biofuel? – Keri Jacobs
Switchgrass Hay Utilizationas Roughage in Beef Diets – Chris Clark

Webinars

Competition for Land Use: Why would the rational producer grow switchgrass for biofuel? – Keri Jacobs
Switchgrass Production Industry Perspectives – David Stock

Instructional Video

Commercialization Update: Opportunities for Perennial Biofeedstocks – Rob Mitchell

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Journal Publications

Kauffman, N., Dumortier, J., Hayes, D.J. Brown, R.C. & Laird, D.A. “Producing energy while sequestering carbon? The relationship between biochar and agricultural productivity. Forthcoming in Biomass and Bioenergy.
Kauffman, N. & Hayes, D. (2013)The Trade-off between Bioenergy and Emissions with Land Constraints. Energy Policy 54, 300-310, 2013.
Jacobs, K. Perennial Grasses for Bioenergy in the Central United States: Updates on Economics and Research Progress. 2013 ICM Conference Proceedings, Iowa State University.

Module 7. Health and Safety

Switchgrass baling on steep marginal land presents a rollover hazard. Photo: Douglas Schaufler, Penn State.

Fact Sheets

Master Gardeners’ Safety Precautions for Handling, Applying and Storing Biochar – Charles Schwab and Mark Hanna

Webinar

Safety Issues in On-Farm Biomass Production – Douglas Schaufler

Video

Hazards of Biomass Production on Marginal Land – Douglas Schaufler

Research Summary

Overview of Comparative Injury Risk Between Annual Corn and Perennial Switchgrass Production – Saxon Ryan, Charles Schwab, and Mark Hanna
Safety and Health Risks of Producing Biomass on the Farm – Douglas Schaufler

Journal Publications

Schaufler, D. H., Yoder, A.M., Murphy, D. J., Schwab, C.V. & Dehart. A.F. Safety and Health Hazards in On-Farm Biomass Production & Processing. (2014). ASABE Journal Agricultural Safety and Health.
Yoder, A.M., C. V. Schwab, P. D. Gunderson, and D. J. Murphy. 2013. Safety and Health in Biomass Production, Transportation and Storage. Journal of Agromedicine. DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2014.886539.
Ryan, S. J., C. V. Schwab, and G. A. Mosher. 2015. Development of a probabilistic risk assessment model to measure the difference in Safety risk of corn and biofuel switchgrass farming systems. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health (Submitted).

Technical Papers

Ryan, S. J., C. V. Schwab, and G. A. Mosher. 2015. Agricultural Risk: Development of a probabilistic risk assessment model for measurement of the difference in risk of corn and biofuel switchgrass farming systems. International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health summer conference Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. ISASH Paper No. 15-01. ISASH Urbana, IL 61801.
Yoder Aaron M., D.J. Murphy, and A.F. DeHart. 2013. A Technical Review on Safety in On-Farm Biomass Production and Storage Systems: Status and Industry Needs. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Technical Paper No. 1620568.

“Formal” Educational Programs and Curriculum

In order to prepare the next generation of workers for the emerging bioeconomy, CenUSA is providing interdisciplinary training and engagement opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students; and developing a bioenergy curriculum core for the Central region of the United States.

Developing a New Supply Chain for Biofuels: Contracting for Dedicated Energy Crops – Corinne Alexander
Video: CenUSA Bioenergy 2015 Summer Undergraduate Research Internship – Raj Raman
Interactive Pyrolysis Lesson – Amy Kohmetscher

Flowchart: David Laird, Iowa State University.

Extension Programs

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

Archived CenUSA Webinars

Biochar Demonstration – Extension Master Gardener reports

Three years on, Master Gardeners talk about the rewards and challenges of volunteering at Minnesota’s three CenUSA biochar test sites. http://blogs.extension.org/mastergardener/2014/09/16/research-experience-wasp-nests-teamwork-and-sprinklers-gone-wild/ –
Bringing research to blossom with U of M Extension Master Gardeners – http://blog.lib.umn.edu/umnext/news/2014/02/bringing-research-to-blossom-with-u-of-m-extension-master-gardeners.php
Fond du Lac Community Master Gardeners contribute to CenUSA biochar research and teach kids about growing food, too. http://blogs.extension.org/mastergardener/2014/12/02/2014-cenusa-bioenergy-project/
2012 Extension Master Gardener Annual Report – http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/master-gardener/coordinators/reporting/2012_emg_annual_report.pdf
Biochar: A New Lease on Life, p4, Spring 2014 UMN Master Gardener Update. www.extension.umn.edu/garden/master-gardener/about/docs/ne_newsletter__spring_2014_2.pdf
Dirt-O-Rama – Is Is Biochar Good for Home Gardens? – www.arboretum.umn.edu/dirtscience.aspx
U of M scientists, Master Gardeners part of team to analyze biofuel production and land use. http://discover.umn.edu/news/environment/u-m-scientists-master-gardeners-part-team-analyze-biofuel-production-and-land-use

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