Is it possible to use biomass as an alternative energy source for the state of Kansas?
“Yes, our state has the potential to use biomass as an alternative energy source,” said Richard Nelson, extension specialist in energy at Kansas State University. “Biomass is the organic matter that results from plant and animal growth. Kansas has an abundant supply of biomass in some forest products and in agricultural crop residues,” said Nelson. Wheat straw and wheat dust are two types of crop residue that can be used for biomass production. “From an agricultural standpoint, it is possible to remove a portion of the wheat straw without affecting conservation or nutrients of the soil,” said Nelson. The other type of agricultural crop residue, wheat dust, is the finely divided matter generated as grain is handled from field to elevator. Most elevators dispose of this dust because it is a safety hazard. “Together, the crop residues, wheat straw and wheat dust, contain approximately one-half to two-thirds the heating value of coal,” said Nelson. “The collected wheat straw or dust could
