research summary – Farm Energy

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: Switchgrass Hay Utillization as Roughage in Beef Diets

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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?
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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 12, 2019

Research Summary: Biofuel Quality Improved by Delaying Harvest of Perennial Grass

Research shows how a simple management strategy can decrease nitrogen contaminants in perennial grasses, while also providing additional ecosystem services.

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Abstract
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What We Have Learned
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Photo: Rob Mitchell, USDA-ARS.

Abstract

Nitrogen ash and other mineral matter can be a problem in processing perennial grasses into biofuel through the fast pyrolysis method. Delaying biomass harvest …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Research Summary: Biomass Crop Production Benefits from a Wide Spectrum of Marketing Opportunities

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

A wide range of potential markets spans the bioenergy supply chain for biomass crops including switchgrass and miscanthus, and woody plants such as willow.

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Abstract

Biomass crops such as switchgrass, miscanthus, and shrub willow are not only intended for bioenergy production but for other non-energy market …

April 3, 2019April 12, 2019

Research Summary: Competition For Land Use—Why Would a Rational Producer Grow Switchgrass for Biofuel?

Farmers value the conservation and environmental benefits of switchgrass grown for biofuels but also consider profit, alternative land uses, and public policy incentives when making production decisions.

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Abstract
Introduction
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why Is This Important?
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Abstract

Switchgrass production must compete with other potential land uses and be profitable for growers, and biofuel markets for perennial grasses …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Research Summary: Safety and Health Risks of Producing Biomass on the Farm

It is time to develop ways to minimize safety and health hazards in biomass production on the farm, an area in which there has been little research

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

Abstract
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Abstract

With increasing numbers of farmers growing biomass for renewable energy uses, new risks of …

April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Research Summary: Exploring On-Farm Pyrolysis Processing of Biofuels

The USDA-ARS FarmBio3 project explores whether on-farm fast-pyrolysis processing units could be a component of an efficient and cost-effective decentralized system of biofuel production and processing.

FarmBio3 mobile pyrolysis system travels among farms simulating the real-world scenario of multiple on-farm units that convert feedstocks to bio-oil, which is delivered to a regional biorefinery. Photo credit: USDA-ARS Pyrolysis Team.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why This Is Important
Summary
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April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Research Summary: Characteristics of Willow Biomass Chips Produced Using a Single-Pass Cut-and-Chip Harvester

Harvest method impacts wood chip quality–use a single-pass cut-and-chip method and willow makes the grade.

Sample of willow biomass chips produced from a single pass cut and chip harvester based on a New Holland forage harvester. Photo: Timothy Volk.

Introduction
Research Purpose
Research Activities
What We Have Learned
Why This Is Important
Future Plans
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Introduction

Biomass for bioenergy and/or bioproducts can be sourced from forests, agricultural crops, various residue streams,

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April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

U.S. Billion-Ton Update Shows Farms and Forests Have Huge Potential for U.S. Bioenergy Future

U.S. farms and forests have the potential to supply enough biomass to meet the Renewable Fuels Standard and replace more than a third of petroleum use with bioenergy by 2030, according to the U.S. Billion-Ton Update.

NASA Earth Observatory: Where The Trees Are. Photo: Wikipedia.

Introduction
An In-Depth Look at the One-Billion Ton Goal
Economics: The Impact of Price
Two Scenarios: Baseline and High-Yield
Land-Use Change
Meeting the Mandate
Summary
For Additional Information
Contributors to This

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April 3, 2019April 15, 2019

Research Summary: Triploid Hybrids of Shrub Willow Yield More Biomass Than Diploids and Tetraploids

Research finds triploid hybrids of shrub willow yield the highest biomass, leading to improved cultivars for renewable energy.

Fred Gouker, Cornell Univ.; 3rd season shrub-willow selection trial in Geneva, NY. 2011. Photo: L. Smart.

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Abstract

Research into the genetics and biomass composition of shrub willow shows that triploid hybrids generally outperform diploid and tetraploid hybrids. This …

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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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Abstract
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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. …