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ARS Home » Midwest Area » St. Paul, Minnesota » Plant Science Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #248079
Title: Maximizing Production of Fiber, Fermentable Sugars, and Energy by Matching Biomass Species to Landscape Position

Author
item JOHNSON, GREGG - University Of Minnesota
item Jung, Hans Joachim
item TSCHIRNER, U - University Of Minnesota
item SHEAFFER, CRAIG - University Of Minnesota
item BANERJEE, S - University Of Minnesota
item WYSE, DONALD - University Of Minnesota
item THELEMANN, R - University Of Minnesota
item PETERSEN-ROCK, K - University Of Minnesota

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/10/2009
Publication Date: 11/17/2009
Citation: Johnson, G., Jung, H.G., Tschirner, U.W., Sheaffer, C., Banerjee, S., Wyse, D., Thelemann, R., Petersen-Rock, K. 2009. Maximizing Production of Fiber, Fermentable Sugars, and Energy by Matching Biomass Species to Landscape Position [abstract]. E-3 2009, The Midwest's Premier Energy, Economic and Environmental Conference, November 17, 2009, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The objective of this research project is to characterize a diverse group of potential biomass species (corn, alfalfa, perennial flax, switchgrass, poplar, and willow) for their yield of biomass, fiber, and fermentable sugars across a diverse set of within-field environments. Our goal is to advance the efficient production and utilization of perennial woody and herbaceous biomass material on the landscape in a manner that imparts numerous economic and environmental benefits. We will discuss the results of our research to date by presenting information from three published papers focusing on 1) cellulosic ethanol traits and paper pulp characteristics of alfalfa across environments, 2) the effect of landscape position on biomass crop yield, and 3) fiber length and pulping characteristics among select perennial biomass crops. The project will provide critical research-based information that will lead to more efficient production of plant derived feed stocks for use in the production of biobased industrial products and energy. This information will be used to determine the feasibility of integrating these biomass crops into eco-industrial systems that could be strategically positioned in Minnesota to produce renewable energy and biobased products and at the same time create new jobs for rural Minnesota.