Project Number: 5445-21000-008-04
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Aug 01, 2002
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
The objectives for this project are as follows: 1) To compare and characterize liquid fuels biomass production potential of switchgrass monocultures to native warm-season grass mixtures from western Minnesota to central North and South Dakota; and to identify most environmentally sustainable methods of production. 2) To identify the region in the Northern Plains most ripe for profitable production of native grasses for use in cellulosic liquid fuels conversion.

Approach:
The primary purpose of this research is to compare liquid fuel biomass production potential of switchgrass monocultures to native warm-season grass mixtures from western Minnesota into central North and South Dakota. Yield and feedstock quality data will be used to characterize the best management practices and cultivars, and also to help determine the geographic scope of a viable cellulosic bio-ethanol industry in the Northern Plains. Additional attention will be paid to evaluating changes in soil quality and carbon storage, habitat development and species density and other ecological concerns.

Project Team

Hanson, Jonathan - Jon Berdahl, John Krupinsky, Joseph - Joe Liebig, Mark

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003