Evaluation of Switchgrass as Biofuel Crop
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.
$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.
Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".
Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".
$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.
Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".
Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".