[PCA] NEWS: Switchgrass: Bridginig Bioenergy And Conservation

[Jason Spangler]

A study led by Dr. Tilman of the University of Minnesota found that a
mixed species plantings of native tallgrass prairie plants are a better
source of biofuel than monocultures of switchgrass, corn ethanol, and
soybean biodiesel.

Tallgrass prairie plantings of multiple species would be better for
native plants, wildlife such as grassland birds, and the environment in
general than monocultures of switchgrass alone.

http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=108206

Mixed Prairie Grasses Better Source of Biofuel Than Corn Ethanol and
Soybean Biodiesel

Fuels made from prairie biomass reduce carbon dioxide levels in atmosphere

National Science Foundation - Diverse mixtures of native prairie plant
species have emerged as a leader in the quest to identify the best
source of biomass for producing sustainable, bio-based fuel to replace
petroleum.

A new study led by David Tilman, an ecologist at the University of
Minnesota, shows that mixtures of native perennial grasses and other
flowering plants provide more usable energy per acre than corn grain
ethanol or soybean biodiesel and are far better for the environment. The
research was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the
University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment.

See the link above for the full article text.

Olivia Kwong wrote:
> http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071014192010.htm
>
> Switchgrass: Bridging Bioenergy And Conservation
>
> Science Daily - An important part of the answer to the country's energy 
> woes could be blowing in the prairie wind, according to Agricultural 
> Research Service (ARS) plant geneticist Michael Casler. He has spent the 
> past 10 years breeding switchgrass, an eight-foot-plus native plant that 
> was an integral part of the tall grass prairies that once dominated 
> America's Midwest.
>
> See the link above for the full article text.
>
>
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