Feedstock research emphasizes cultured feedstock (switchgrass) and agricultural wastes. Switchgrass is relatively easy to grow once established and has an excellent yield (8-12 tons/acre).

 

Research Efforts

• Establishment of switchgrass and other species of native and exotic grasses
• Seed coating trials for increased germination
• Harvesting and storage of switchgrass
• In-field cubing of switchgrass to densify before gasification
• Thinning of timber stands as a source of biomass

 

Results

A five acre plot for harvesting/ handling research yielded about 8 tons per acre.

A John Deere cuber has been purchased and it will produce 1.25 inch cubes.

Nine different species have been compared; the three most productive were switchgrass (8-12 tons/acre), Elephantgrass (12-16 tons/acre), and Japanese Foxtail (16-18 tons/acre).

Byproduct sources have been compared: corn stower (2.7 tons/acre), rice straw (2.9 tons/acre), and cotton stalks (2.1 tons/acre).

Germination studies included carbon banding to increase sprouting. Crops were nursed for the first year.

 

Table of Chemical Analyses

2	Switchgrass	Corn Stover	Rice Straw	Cotton Stalks
Gross Energy (BTU/lb)	8183	8023	7893	8308
Ash Content	6.5%	5.5%	7.4%	2.9%
Yield (tons/acre)	8.0	2.7	2.9	2.1