Switchgrass Ethanol On The Rise!
Switchgrass has been publicized as the next miracle crop because of its ability to produce ethanol, a renewable bioenergy source. Switchgrass is an excellent candidate for ethanol production because of its agronomic advantages as having the characteristics of being long standing, drought and flooding resistant, and has a low herbicide and fertilizer requirement. Overall, it is a very easy crop to manage and it thrives in poor soil and climate conditions that are not suitable for other crops. Switchgrass is fast growing and easily adaptable to temperate climate conditions. Switchgrass grows fasts and captures a lot of solar energy, which is then transformed into cellulose. The cellulose can be liquefied, gasified, or burned directly to create biofuel. As a native to North America, switchgrass has become incredibly adaptive over the years it has evolved with its native climate. Because switchgrass is native to North America, it has the potential to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil resources.
Switchgrass research is pouring in
Researchers across the country have been working to increase the yield and reduce the need for nitrogen and other chemical fertilizers. The amount of yield per acre of switchgrass varies depending on the location. Switchgrass yields are typically highest in warm, humid regions with long growing seasons, such as the south east. In contrast, the northern great plains produce the lowest yield because of its short dry season. Switchgrass requires less energy input than corn and soybeans which can require generally high energy inputs for field operations. Switchgrass boasts a relatively high energy output per hectare and low energy inputs for production. Switchgrass requires fewer fossil energy inputs to grow and effectively captures solar energy due to its C4 photosynthetic system and perennial nature.
Switchgrass ethanol yield is great
It is tough to pinpoint the amount of ethanol yield per acre, because of the unique conditions of each grower. However, if grown correctly with the proper treatment, switchgrass has the potential to yield 800-1,000 gallons of ethanol per acre annually. Scientists are developing new technology that will increase the potential switchgrass ethanol yield. So far, scientists have been able to successfully and significantly cut down the costs of producing and predicting switchgrass ethanol yield at biorefinerys. They have done so with the introduction of near-infrared sensing (NIRS). This technology enables the biorefinery to inexpensively and quickly assess the biomass composition and the maximum and expected yield per ton of switchgrass. With technology on the rise, switchgrass is the crop of the future.