Frequently Asked Questions

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Get the answer to this important question from CenUSA CoPd Project Director Kevin Shinners in the CenUSA Factsheet Feedstock Logistics Innovative Systems for Harvest Transportation and Storage of Perennial Grass Biomass.

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Get the answer to this important question from CenUSA CoPd Project Director Kevin Shinners in the CenUSA Factsheet Feedstock Logistics Innovative Systems for Harvest Transportation and Storage of Perennial Grass Biomass 

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Get the answer to this important question from CenUSA CoPd Project Director Kevin Shinners in the CenUSA Factsheet Feedstock Logistics Innovative Systems for Harvest Transportation and Storage of Perennial Grass Biomass

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In general, higher rates of residue removal decrease greenhouse gas emissions because there is less carbon and nitrogen returned to the soil. However, producers must take into account other impacts of stover removal, including a higher risk of soil erosion or lower soil productivity.

For more detailed information, see the CenUSA Fact Sheet Management Practices Impact Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Harvest of Corn Stover for Biofuels from CenUSA Collaborator Virginia L. Jin, Research Soil Scientist, USDA-Agricultural Research Service.

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Yes, tillage practices such as no-till and reduced-till have been found to mitigate the production of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, two major atmospheric greenhouse gases. For more detailed information, see the CenUSA Fact Sheet Management Practices Impact Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Harvest of Corn Stover for Biofuels from CenUSA Collaborator Virginia L. Jin, Research Soil Scientist, USDA-Agricultural Research Service.

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Get the answer to this important question CenUSA CoProject Director Rob Mitchell in the CenUSA Fact Sheet Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for Biofuel Production.

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Switchgrass is a perennial grass native to North America. There are a number of considerations regarding production methods. Switchgrass takes as much as 2-3 years to reach a fully established, mature stand. Additional details regarding production and harvesting can be found in the CenUSA Fact Sheet Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for Biofuel Production. Contributors: Clark Garland and Tina Johnson, University of Tennessee. 

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Currently, there is no open market for switchgrass. Switchgrass for biofuel is normally produced under a contractual arrangement. After a person has a satisfactory contract, the producer should consult with the end user to confirm product requirements and specifications, such as plant variety and in what form the switchgrass is to be harvested. For more information see Biomass Feedstocks and Energy Independence and Feedstocks for Biofuel Production. Contributors: Clark Garland and Tina Johnson, University of Tennessee (Credit: eXtension)

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Get the answer to this important question from CenUSA CoProject Director Rob Mitchell in the CenUSA Fact Sheet Guidelines to Growing Perennial Grasses for Biofuel and Bioproducts.

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Get the answer to this important question from CenUSA CoProject Director Rob Mitchell in the CenUSA Fact Sheet Guidelines to Growing Perennial Grasses for Biofuel and Bioproducts.

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Get the answer to this important question from CenUSA CoProject Director Rob Mitchell in the CenUSA Fact Sheet Guidelines to Growing Perennial Grasses for Biofuel and Bioproducts.

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Get the answer to this important question from CenUSA Co-Project Director Rob Mitchell in the CenUSA Fact Sheet Control Weeds in Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.) Grown for Biomass.

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AFRI stands for "Agricultural Food and Research Initiative"and is part of the USDA's National Institute of Food & Agriculture. For information of the AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy Program and it's long term vision visit http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/plants/sustain_bioenergy_afri.html

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We have selected advanced pyrolytic conversion to produce biofuels from perennial grasses. Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen to produce an energy-rich liquid called bio-oil, a flammable gas mixture, and a carbon-rich and nutrient-rich solid called biochar.

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Producing switchgrass for energy generally occurs under some form of contractual arrangement with the end user. Due to potential risk, farmers should establish switchgrass after they have obtained a production contract with anticipated satisfactory returns, or have plans for an alternative use for the crop. For more information on switchgrass production see the CenUSA Fact Sheet Switchgrass for Biofuel Production Contributors: Clark Garland and Tina Johnson, University of Tennessee.

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Switchgrass, like a number of other warm-season grasses, can produce high-quality forage. Early season harvesting produces the highest quality. As the production season progresses, crude protein content quickly declines. If switchgrass is allowed to mature and become fibrous, forage quality will suffer drastically. Switchgrass can be grazed by beef and dairy cattle, but other forages could be more acceptable for given resource situations. Switchgrass hay is not recommended for horses. Additional details can be found in the publication, Using Switchgrass for Forage. In evaluating the economics of grazing and establishing switchgrass in anticipation of a market for biomass, the producer should feel fairly confident the biomass market may develop within a reasonable time period. Contributors: Clark Garland and Tina Johnson, University of Tennessee

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The primary energy crops that will be developed and evaluated by CenUSA Bioenergy are switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash). For additional information on switchgrass and biofuel production see the CenUSA Fact Sheet Switchgrass for Biofuel Production.