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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Genetics and Breeding Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #178237
Title: POTENTIAL PERENNIAL BIOMASS FEEDSTOCKS FOR SOUTHERN UNITED STATES

Author
item Anderson, William - Bill
item AKIN, DANNY
item HIMMELSBACH, DAVID
item MORRISON III, WILEY
item BRANSBY, DAVID - AUBURN UNIV
item COBILL, ROBERT

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/5/2005
Publication Date: 5/1/2005
Citation: Anderson, W.F., Akin, D.E., Himmelsbach, D.S., Morrison Iii, W.H., Bransby, D., Cobill, R.M. 2005. Potential perennial biomass feedstocks for southern united states (Abstract). 27th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. p. 50.

Interpretive Summary: not required

Technical Abstract: The majority of the research on lignocellulosic crop biomass for biofuels has been centered on corn stover and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L). However, diverse farm practices and subtropical climates of the Southern Coastal Plains of the United States make it more conducive to use other biomass feedstocks such as perennial forage and bunch grasses. This talk will review the present data and potential of these grasses for production and use as fuel, fiber and soil/water remediation tools. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) and bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) are already produced extensively in the Coastal Plain as a forage crop. Sugar cane relatives (Saccharum sp.) have been assessed as energy cane in parts of the south. Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) and giant reed (Arundo donax L.) have shown potential to produce over 20 tons DM/acre/year. Giant reed produces fiber that is comparable to hard wood which could be useful in paper/pulp and fiberboard industries. Use of these grasses for ethanol production systems, syngas or in co-firing electrical plants will be reviewed. Assessment of most promising biomass species and suggestions for future research will be discussed.