Ethanol

Overview	Switchgrass	Arundo Donax (Giant Reed)
Hybrid Poplar

 

Overview

The key driver for the introduction of bioenergy crops in the Pacific Northwest is the need to introduce viable alternative crops into rotations with staple cereals in the dryland region, such as wheat, or high-value vegetable crops in the irrigated region, such as potatoes. Crop rotation helps break weed, disease and pest cycles, can improve nutrient management, and can improve the economic performance of farms and communities. For instance, due to the work of Andy McGuire and the Prosser Integrated Farming Systems Group, the use of mustard green manures as a biofumigant in rotation with potatoes has grown from 400 to more than 20,000 acres in the last few years. Farmers are reducing the use of pesticides and saving approximately $100 per acre in potato production.

 

Switchgrass

Another bioenegy crop we are evaluating is switchgrass production which is a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production or for direct combustion for power generation. Switchgrass is adapted to the warmer and irrigated regions of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and therefore a viable alternative to corn. Switchgrass contrasts to corn in the west by: 1) being a perennial crop, eliminates the need for annual tillage, reducing soil loss from wind erosion, 2) having lower fertilizer requirements, and fewer pest issues decreases fertilizer and pesticide use, 3) ability to produce a harvestable biomass and becoming dormant if irrigation water is restricted compared to corn which would senesce and produce little harvestable yield, and 4) since 2001, switchgrass has proven to be productive and adapted to the lower Columbia Basin region of the PNW in exploratory WSU research trials. To be economical for the grower and local ethanol production facilities, a low-cost, high-return sustainable crop is required. Early results of the trials have been presented at field days and grower meetings. Publication of results from the first two years of the trial is anticipated in the winter of 05/06. Expansion of the biofuel trial to dryland sites is under consideration.

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Updated April 19, 2006