Producing Switchgrass for Biofuel in Washington State
Project Investigator: Steven C. Fransen, WSU
January, 2008 Progress Report
What is known:
The first investigation evaluating adaptability and productivity of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) for biofuel in Washington State was initiated at WSU-Prosser in 2002. This perennial warm-season grass is native to the Midwestern U.S. but not to Washington. Switchgrass is grown under dryland conditions in the Midwest because of adequate summer rainfall for growth; it requires a full growing season to become established while the grass is developing a massive root system. After establishment biomass yields increase yearly as the grass transitions to adult crop plants. The 2002 switchgrass plots have not winterkilled even though winter temperatures have reached a –19F. Significant biomass yield differences are found from released varieties of both upland and lowland ecotypes at both Prosser and Paterson (in cooperation with Dr. Hal Collins, USDA-ARS). Contrary to popular belief, switchgrass in our region does require annual applications of nutrients to achieve high biomass yields from two harvests per season. First cutting harvest occurs in early to mid-July and the final biomass harvest in late September to mid-October.
What is not known:
We do not know the water requirements and application timing for switchgrass in Washington State. Planting date, refining seeding rates and planting techniques, and rapid and successful stands during the establishment year are all issues that need additional research effort. Nutrient requirements may be higher than previously thought so new field and greenhouse/lab studies need to be initiated to refine recommendations. Ethanol or other bioenergy yields and efficiency must be determined from harvested switchgrass and other warm-season grasses if this new industry is to be sustainable. With continued investment in switchgrass cellulosic biofuel research we will be able to predict bioenergy returns using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology.
Current research:
Two switchgrass cultivars and one Indiangrass cultivar will be planted in June 2008 at Othello to supplement the switchgrass research at Prosser and Paterson. The seed will be planted with a grass seed drill in large scale (> 1 acre) plots. We will also conduct a planting date study at Othello with switchgrass, Indiangrass, and bluestem in small plots. Measurements taken at the different sites will be water use efficiency (Prosser), nutrient uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (Paterson), dry matter yield (all locations), storability using several methods (Othello), and potential ethanol and bioenergy production at all locations. Based on our earlier research findings and using conservative conversion rates, growing 75,000 acres of irrigated switchgrass would yield 60 million gallons of ethanol per year. With additional research we will have better data on yields and conversion rates for biomass grown in Washington State. With adequate funding for continued research and Extension programs both acres and gallons could dramatically increase in the next 10 years.
Resources:
No relevant links to other switchgrass cellulosic biofuel research in the western U.S. are available at this time as our research is the first established in this region.
Two WSU Extension bulletins outlining the establishment period from seeding through the late seedling stages of growth are completed and should be available for growers establishing switchgrass in spring 2008. These bulletins will help growers who are familiar with growing cool-season grasses such as orchardgrass or timothy, but are new to growing perennial warm-season grasses.
Heading using the h3tag
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.