Evaluation of Switchgrass as Biofuel Crop

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$60,000
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$60,000
Fund Source
Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
Recipient
Central Lakes College
Recipient Type
Public College/University
Status
In Progress
Start Date
July 2011
End Date
June 2015
Activity Type
Analysis/Interpretation
Assessment/Evaluation
Inventory
Monitoring
Research
Counties Affected
Statewide
Statewide
Project Overview

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Bioenergy, a form of renewable energy derived from biological sources such as wood or grasses, is becoming an important component of the energy production mix. Native switchgrass is a species that has shown potential as a biofuel crop and efforts have been underway to selectively breed and hybridize it for maximize yield. However, these selectively bred switchgrass varieties also show some potential to be invasive and crowd out native biodiversity, resulting in significant ecological and economic impacts. Scientists at Central Lakes College and the University of Minnesota are using this appropriation to evaluate the invasion risk of selectively bred switchgrass varieties and develop strategies to minimize the invasion potential and impacts on biodiversity. Findings will help support long-term biofuel sustainability.

Project Details
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 06c
Appropriation Language

$60,000 the first year and $60,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System for Central Lakes College in cooperation with the University of Minnesota to determine the invasion risk of selectively bred native grasses for biofuel production and develop strategies to minimize the invasion potential and impacts on biodiversity. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$60,000
Direct expenses
$60,000
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.81
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 06c
Appropriation Language

$60,000 the first year and $60,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System for Central Lakes College in cooperation with the University of Minnesota to determine the invasion risk of selectively bred native grasses for biofuel production and develop strategies to minimize the invasion potential and impacts on biodiversity. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$60,000
Direct expenses
$60,000
Number of full time equivalents funded
0.8
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Measurable Outcome(s)

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Project Manager
First Name
Jim
Last Name
Eckberg
Organization Name
Central Lakes College
Street Address
1830 Airport Rd
City
Staples
State
MN
Zip Code
56479
Phone
(612) 490-5050
Email
jeckberg@umn.edu