K-State Ag Today: Switch grass, other grasses show promise for biofuel
2:29 p.m. Monday, August 25, 2008
Across the globe, researchers continue their quest for more crops that could be used in cellulosic ethanol production.
Some of that work is happening at K-State's North Agronomy Farm. At the recent 2008 Agronomy Field Day, Professor Scott Staggenborg pointed out some of the perennial grasses that he's been working with.
Related links
Related story: Kansas among states to lead advanced bioenergy, biofuels research and development
Related story: What happened to Bush call for switch grass?
"Those are things like big bluestem, and switch grass," Staggenborg said. "Some of the advantages of perennial crops are that once they're established, then a lot of the crop inputs are reduced. You don't have to spend as much money on things like herbicides."
The energy obtained from perennials isn't overshadowed by the energy required to produce them. Perennials offer other benefits to producers, too.
"One of the big concerns with removing all of the biomass to produce energy is that we now leave the soil exposed for wind and water erosion, if we're using something like corn or sorghum or some of the annual crops - whereas, with the perennial crops, we won't see that because we do have a more dense root mass, and better ground cover to prevent erosion," he said.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)