Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Native Grasses for Biomass Production at
High Elevations
Calvin H. Pearson, Steven R. Larson, Catherine M.H. Keske,
and Kevin B. Jensen
Abstract Herbaceous perennial grasses as lignocellulosic resources are a preferred
feedstock source for biofuels because they have a neutral carbon budget, require
few agronomic inputs, can be readily managed to be environmentally friendly, and
have the potential to be grown on a variety of lands, soils, and crop production
situations. The Mountain West at elevations of 1,200 m, and higher, typically have
unique and variable conditions typified by dry climates, cold-season precipitation,
cold winter temperatures, hot summers with cool nights, large areas of public land,
long distances to markets, large variations in soil types, variable soil quality such as
salinity, changing field topography, and other factors. Large regions of the Moun-
tain West are dominated by cool-season grasses that could be a desirable source for
biofuel production. Tall-statured, cool-season perennial grasses including basin
wildrye, creeping x basin wildrye hybrids, intermediate wheatgrass, and tall wheat-
grass are viable candidates for lignocellulosic biomass production in this region.
Developing a locally grown biomass and biofuel products could provide economic
diversification to rural communities in the Mountain West. Establishing a regional
supply chain for biofuel production could diversify fuel sources and provide a
degree of energy security. Cool-season biomass grasses are not currently cost-
competitive with other biomass feedstocks or other Mountain West energy sources.
Policies that encourage market development, energy diversification and security
could jump-start the market for cool-season biomass grasses, although long-term
market viability hinges on their production at competitive costs. Furthermore,
commercial production of cool-season perennial grass species will require consid-
erable genetic improvement to develop these plant species for suitable biomass
production.
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