Biofuel Economics: Will Pure Switchgrass Stands Be Required For Cellulosic Ethanol?
FARGO, N.D. – I attended NDSU’s Central Grassland Research Extension Center field day on June 26. During the event, Paul Nyren, center director, discussed his current switchgrass research and field trials. He commented that it is extremely difficult to raise a pure stand of switchgrass. He indicated that selective herbicides to remove other weeds and unwanted grasses were unavailable. Moreover, he explained that mixtures of grasses actually resulted in stronger, more robust production. At the end of his presentation, Paul said, “If we need pure stands of switchgrass for cellulosic ethanol, I don’t know if that is even feasible.” Therefore, the question I would like to answer this week is: Will pure stands of switchgrass or mixtures of various forages be needed for cellulosic ethanols? I have several responses to this question. First, even though switchgrass often is touted for ethanol production, there are a wide variety of other grasses that have equal potential for cellulosic ethanol
