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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.

Sponsoring Partner

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

Table of Contents

 

CenUSA-cycle-graphic

The Team and Objectives

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

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FAQs about Perennial Grass (Switchgrass) Production for Biofuels


Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Sponsoring Partner

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Funded by AFRI. Learn More.

 

Switchgrass a source of biomass energy
Switchgrass. Photo: Dennis Pennington, Bioenergy Educator, Michigan State University.
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Soil Health For Sustainable Agriculture

Bioenergy Curriculum graphic

This Soil Health For Sustainable Agriculture module is part of the Biomass Energy Training Curriculum, 13 modules developed through a Southern SARE grant and collaboration between Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, eXtension.org, and USDA-Rural Development. While it is written as a training guide for TN producers, much of the information is applicable throughout the Southeastern US region.

This curriculum is designed to increase the knowledge base of extension agents and local officials on biomass energy; so that

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Establishment and Management of Native Warm-Season Grasses for Bioenergy and Forage

Bioenergy Curriculum graphic

This Establishment and Management of Native Warm-Season Grasses for Bioenergy and Forage module is part of the Biomass Energy Training Curriculum, 13 modules developed through a Southern SARE grant and collaboration between Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, eXtension.org, and USDA-Rural Development. While it is written as a training guide for TN producers, much of the information is applicable throughout the Southeastern US region.

This curriculum is designed to increase the knowledge base of extension agents and local

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Types of Native Warm-Season Grasses for Bioenergy

Bioenergy Curriculum graphic

This Types of Native Warm-Season Grasses for Bioenergy module is part of the Biomass Energy Training Curriculum, 13 modules developed through a Southern SARE grant and collaboration between Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, eXtension.org, and USDA-Rural Development. While it is written as a training guide for TN producers, much of the information is applicable throughout the Southeastern US region.

This curriculum is designed to increase the knowledge base of extension agents and local officials on biomass energy;

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Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Bioenergy Curriculum graphic

This Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) module is part of the Biomass Energy Training Curriculum, 13 modules developed through a Southern SARE grant and collaboration between Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, eXtension.org, and USDA-Rural Development. While it is written as a training guide for TN producers, much of the information is applicable throughout the Southeastern US region.

This curriculum is designed to increase the knowledge base of extension agents and local officials on biomass energy; so

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How to Start a Cooperative

Bioenergy Curriculum graphic

This How to Start a Cooperative module is part of the Biomass Energy Training Curriculum, 13 modules developed through a Southern SARE grant and collaboration between Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, eXtension.org, and USDA-Rural Development. While it is written as a training guide for TN producers, much of the information is applicable throughout the Southeastern US region.

This curriculum is designed to increase the knowledge base of extension agents and local officials on biomass energy; so that

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Environmental Effects of Bioenergy Feedstocks

Bioenergy Curriculum graphic

This Environmental Effects of Bioenergy Feedstocks module is part of the Biomass Energy Training Curriculum, 13 modules developed through a Southern SARE grant and collaboration between Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, eXtension.org, and USDA-Rural Development. While it is written as a training guide for TN producers, much of the information is applicable throughout the Southeastern US region.

This curriculum is designed to increase the knowledge base of extension agents and local officials on biomass energy; so that

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Biomass Energy Training Curriculum – TN

Bioenergy Curriculum graphic
 
This curriculum  provides training on biomass energy to extension agents and local officials so that they may deliver this information to their stakeholders. While it is written as a training guide for TN, much of the information is applicable throughout the Southeastern US region.
 

This curriculum was developed through a Southern SARE grant and collaboration between Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee, eXtension.org, and USDA-Rural Development. 

 

Link to the full TN Biomass Energy Training Curriculum (a 254 page downloadable

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Biofuel Production and Improving Water Quality

Learn which biofuels require less inputs and strategies to reduce pollution.

Nitrates are most frequently detected in groundwater where nitrogen fertilizer is most heavily used; but exceptions to this pattern occur. USGS image.

Table Of Contents

Water Quality

Biofuel crops can help improve water quality because some need less fertilizer, are perennials, and have a more closed canopy. In order for production of agricultural energy crops to be considered sustainable, practices must be in …