Biofuels Journal - September/October 2008 - (Page 115)

Soil Likes Switchgrass ARS Researcher Says Switchgrass Adds Carbon to the Soil Besides being one of the leading feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol, switchgrass also has a positive impact on the soil. That’s what research by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Soil Microbiologist Kristine Nichols indicates after five years of testing several types of grasses, such as big blue stem, Indian grass, and a mixture of other prairie grasses. How Switchgrass Improves Soil Varied Yields “Our research has found that these grasses are associated with these microorganisms in the soil,” said Nichols, who is based in Mandan, ND (701-6673008). “These microorganisms in the soil, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, help plants get nutrients from the soil. In this symbiotic relationship, the fungus gets all of its carbon from switchgrass,” she said. “The implications are that using switchgrass as an energy crop to produce cellulosic ethanol can increase carbon sequestration in the soil,” she added. Replacing Lost Carbon Switchgrass showing the f u n g u s arbuscular mycorrhizal that helps soil secure carbon from the switchgrass. She said depending on where the switchgrass is grown, its yields will vary. In North Dakota, for example, switchgrass yields about two or three times the biomass per acre as a traditional crop due to the colder climate and lower rainfall. In the southern plains, Nichols said, this ratio would increase to five to eight times per acre. Myke Feinman, editor For example, when a farmer plows the soil, a lot of carbon is released up into the atmosphere, she explained. Many scientists claim that this carbon, which is released to the atmosphere, is a contributor to global warming. As a microbiologist, Nichols’ research is looking to find ways to increase the nutrients (carbon) in the soil. Switchgrass, a perennial crop that could grow for up to 30 years, reverses that process of carbon loss from annual plowing. “With global warming, a perennial crop that puts up to 5% of carbon below ground is important,” she added. Response No. 1151 SEPT/OCT 08 | BFJ 115 http://www.aquapowerusa.com http://www.aquapowerusa.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Biofuels Journal - September/October 2008

Biofuels Journal - September/October 2008 Contents Transportation Mainbar Ethanol Terminal Florida Ethanol Pipeline Ethanol Pipeline Study Rail, Truck Safety NAR Updates Dave Vander Griend, ICM, Inc. Renew Energy LLC, Jefferson, WI I-65 Biofuels Corridor POET’s Project Bell Robert Zubrin, Pioneer Astronautics Calendar ICM Blend Study Ethanol Terminal, Pipeline Study POET BioRefining-Alexandria, Alexandria, TX Steve Przesmitzki, National Renewable Energy Lab What’s Driving Up Food Prices Ethanol World Profile: Charlie Martin, Golden Triangle Energy State Report: Wisconsin Ethanol Plants in the Pipeline Monthly Ethanol Production Ethanol Industry News REG Houston LLC, Seabrook, TX Biodiesel Adhesives Farmer’s Fuel Two-Million Mile Haul Update Bratney/Orbitek New Technology Innovation Fuels, Inc., Newark, NJ NBB Biodiesel Emissions Study Profile: Mike Chandler, Renewable Energy Group Biodiesel World REG—Algal Biodiesel Technology Biodiesel Roundup Camelina Biofuels Biodiesel Industry News New Energy Credits Passed RFS Waiver Cellulosic Ethanol Plants Under Construction Cellulosic Ethanol Plants Construction Map BP Alternative Energy Projects Switchgrass and Soil Local Feedstocks - Clemson SDSU Sun Grants Robert Nixon, Davenport Dryer, LLC Bob Delaney, Gamajet Cleaning Systems Energy Partners Antioch International, Inc. Aeroglide Corp. Strongform Nationwide Industrial Builders Pro-Environmental, Inc. The Eagle Group, Ltd. Biofuels Action Plan Ad Index

Biofuels Journal - September/October 2008

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