December 02, 2005
Biomass Crops Could Serve Important Role in State's Biofuels Industry
LINCOLN, Neb. — Biomass crops could play a big part in the future of Nebraska's biofuels industry, a U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist said at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's annual Agronomy and Horticulture Highlights program.
Ken Vogel, a USDA-Agricultural Research Service geneticist at UNL, is a leader in studying how best to produce biomass crops from native switchgrass. He was one of several agronomy and horticulture faculty members who spoke at the Thursday (Dec. 1) program featuring the department's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources extension, research and teaching activities.
Vogel discussed the status of biomass energy crops and biomass industry developments as well as current cooperative USDA-IANR research on developing the native prairie grass into a viable renewable fuel source.
Switchgrass, a high-yielding prairie grass, can be fermented to produce ethanol similar to corn. Farmers would plant the perennial grass and then harvest growth annually, making it an environmentally friendly and renewable fuel source.
"With rising gas prices, the cost of fuel has gotten everyone's attention," Vogel said. "By 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy hopes to have the technology available and affordable" to convert biomass into ethanol.
Right now, a gallon of ethanol produced from biomass costs about $1.35 per gallon.
Vogel continues to develop switchgrass cultivars with improved yields and altered composition for biomass fuel production and improved establishment practices including weed control and improved seed quality.
"Our goal is for farmers be able to get switchgrass established and have full production in the second year," he said. "If we can do that, we can be very successful."
In 2000, field trials were established in Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Trials in Nebraska continued from 2001 to 2004. Trials in North Dakota and South Dakota began in 2001 and will finish in 2005. Results of these trials should provide more specific information on biomass switchgrass production for farmers in the northern Great Plains.
Vogel said the DOE ultimately wants to produce a billion tons of biomass per year. This would supply 30 percent to 40 percent of the nation's liquid fuel needs using domestically grown biomass.
By 2010, the DOE also hopes to have 300 million tons of sustainably grown biomass available and aims to build three biorefineries in the U.S. with an annual capacity to produce 5 million gallons of ethanol made from biomass.
"This means three new ethanol plants," Vogel said.
Growing switchgrass for biomass production is a natural for Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Switchgrass most likely would be produced on marginally productive land, such as that in the Conservation Reserve Program.
Research shows switchgrass production is economically feasible in the region so biomass production could boost farmer's net farm income.
In opening remarks, department head Mark Lagrimini highlighted news about the agronomy and horticulture department.
He said that although enrollment in agronomy has declined since 1999, it took a slight jump in 2005. The number of students majoring in horticulture has steadily increased since 1990.
In a discussion about the department's future, Lagrimini told the crop consultants, industry professionals, farmers, UNL Extension educators and alumni at the meeting what the department is doing to better promote what it has to offer students. That includes doing a better job of communicating about available jobs for people with majors in agronomy and horticulture, adjusting curriculum, talking to employers, attracting students from urban areas and teaching more real-word skills.
12/2/05-SAK
Ken Vogel-Ph.D.
Agronomy and Horticulture
Adjunct Professor
(402) 472-1564
Mark Lagrimini -- Ph.D.
Agronomy and Horticulture
Department Head and Professor
(402) 472-2811
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department: Agronomy & Horticulture
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