Author
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Sanderson, Matt |
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Adler, Paul |
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Skinner, Robert |
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Dell, Curtis |
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Submitted to: Eastern Native Grass Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 9/27/2006 Publication Date: 10/13/2006 Citation: Sanderson, M.A., Adler, P.R., Skinner, R.H., Dell, C.J. 2006. Switchgrass for Biofuel, Forage, and Mushrooms. In: Sanderson, M. A., Adler, P., Goslee, S., Ritchie, J., Skinner, H., Soder, K., editors. Proceedings of the Fifth Eastern Native Grass Symposium, October 10-13, 2006, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. p. 9. Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required. Technical Abstract: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a native perennial warm-season grass, is used as a forage and conservation plant in the eastern USA. During the last 15 years switchgrass has received much attention as a model energy crop. Attributes of switchgrass desirable for bioenergy cropping include its demonstrated long-term high productivity across many environments, suitability for marginal land, relatively low water and nutrient requirements, and positive environmental benefits. This presentation will preview the tour stops and topics to be discussed during the all day field tour on Thursday October 12. Tour stops will include the Penn State University Russell E. Larson Research Center where USDA-ARS and Penn State collaborative research on harvest management and weed control in switchgrass will be highlighted. Also featured will be a stop at the Penn State Mushroom Test Facility where switchgrass is used as a substrate for mushroom compost. Lastly, the tour will end at the Haller Beef Research Center where we will highlight USDA-ARS research on energy crop rotations, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas emissions from switchgrass and annual energy crops. |
