Can perennial switchgrass be as effective for biofuel production as other crops, such as corn?
Perennial, high yielding grasses such as switchgrass have the potential to produce significantly more ethanol per acre than corn. Several existing switchgrass varieties could produce almost 500 gallons of ethanol per acre while dryland corn grain produces 290 gallons per acre, on average. However, at this time, the biomass conversion costs are higher for switchgrass. If they are reduced, switchgrass can be a viable energy crop. In addition, switchgrass can offer conservation benefits. It can be grown on lands with high erosion potential, such as those in the Conservation Reserve Program. It also requires less inputs, such as tractor fuel and herbicides, thereby saving money and promoting air and water quality. Link: http://ard.unl.edu/rn/0900/grass.html Contact: Ken Vogel, kvogel1@unl.
