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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pendleton, Oregon » Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #293071
Title: Chemical composition of lignocellulosic feedstock from Pacific Northwest conservation buffers

Author
item KUMAR, DEEPAK - Oregon State University
item JUNEJA, ANKITA - Oregon State University
item HOHENSCHUH, WILLIAM - Oregon State University
item Williams, John
item MURTHY, GANTI - Oregon State University

Submitted to: Agricultural Engineering International Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/12/2012
Publication Date: 8/1/2012
Citation: Kumar, D., Juneja, A., Hohenschuh, W.E., Williams, J.D., Murthy, G.S. 2012. Chemical composition of lignocellulosic feedstock from Pacific Northwest conservation buffers. Agricultural Engineering International Conference. Paper No. 121337450.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Bioethanol has been considered as an important alternative to liquid transportation fuels because of its compatibility with current infrastructure, comparable energy values and less net green house gas emissions during its life cycle. There is continuous need to find sustainable feedstocks that can be used for bioethanol production and contribute to renewable energy. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of common plant species found in Pacific Northwest Conservation buffers. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) was initiated for controlling soil erosion and 2.5 to 3.0 million acres in the Pacific Northwest region are currently under this program. Biomass harvested from these lands could contribute to total available biomass for bioethanol industry. Feedstocks were collected from areas planted to simulate conservation buffers alongside stream channels within three common resource areas in the interior Pacific Northwest. Nine feedstocks (two grass and seven forb species) commonly found in these buffers were examined to determine their chemical composition and potential bioethanol yields. Composition was determined as per laboratory analysis protocol from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL 2008). A significant composition difference for total glucan (19.39 to 33 %), xylan (7.03 to 20.31 %) and lignin content (10 to 18 %) were found among the nine feedstocks. Potential maximum ethanol yields ranged from 181.5 to 316.5 L/dry ton of biomass for different plant species.