nifa – Page 3 – Farm Energy

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: Management Practices Impact Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Harvest of Corn Stover for Biofuels

Residue management and tillage can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soils during production of corn stover for biofuel.

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

Corn stover trial field. Photo: Virginia L. Jin.

Research Purpose

Crop residues such as corn stover are on track to make up a large part of our future renewable-energy supply. …

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: 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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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

Test Plots Show How Perennial Grasses Can Be Grown for Biofuels

Use these protocols to set up test plots of perennial grasses to demonstrate to producers the potential for growing bioenergy feedstocks.

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Choose and set up a test plot site
Establishment
Managing weeds in a test plot
Harvest after a killing frost
Test Plant Quality
How Well is the Stand Doing?
Conclusion
FAQ
For Additional Information
Contributors to this Article

Researchers, farmers, and industry representatives across the country are interested …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Logistical Challenges to Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a Bioenergy Crop

There’s more to producing a crop like switchgrass for bioenergy than just growing it. Harvesting, storing, transporting, and selling perennial grass feedstocks must be taken into consideration to make it a successful venture.

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Transporting Biofuel Feedstocks
Biomass Harvesting Technology
Biomass Storage Systems
Selling the Energy Crop
Conclusion
For Additional Information
Contributors to this Article

Although switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and other perennial grasses such as Indian grass …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Successfully Harvest Switchgrass Grown for Biofuel

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PDF version of this Article

Learn rationale and best practices & equipment for harvesting perennial grass biomass.

Harvesting After Frost Proves Beneficial
Cutting Switchgrass and Other High-Yield Grasses
Switchgrass Drying Rate
Better Bale Density Cuts Cost
Harvest as Dry Hay or Chop for Storage
Bale Handling and Aggregation
Energy Requirements of Harvest and Processing
Summary
For Additional Information
Contributors to this Article

Delaying harvest until after a killing frost …

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Research Summary: Management Practices Impact Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Harvest of Corn Stover for Biofuels

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Table of Contents

Research Purpose

Research Summary: Development of a Single-Pass Cut-and-Chip Harvesting System for Short Rotation Woody Crops

Table of Contents

Introduction

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

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

Test Plots Show How Perennial Grasses Can Be Grown for Biofuels

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Logistical Challenges to Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a Bioenergy Crop

Sponsoring Partner

Table of Contents

Successfully Harvest Switchgrass Grown for Biofuel

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Table of Contents