Article

2008-05-02 Science & Technology

First production sized switchgrass crop for fuel to be planted in OK

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Posted by mhw 2008-05-02 13:39|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 I'm surprised that nobody is planting tumbleweed, as it has one of the highest and fastest water to cellulose ratios around. It also grows in very marginal soil.

Come to think of it, I wonder if kudzu would work as well?

Posted by Anonymoose 2008-05-02 14:17|| 2008-05-02 14:17|| Front Page Top

#2 Use kudzu to make ethanol and I'd be able to drive through the South whilst thinking I'm in Kansas ...

Posted by Steve White">Steve White 2008-05-02 15:27|| 2008-05-02 15:27|| Front Page Top

#3 Now what happens to all this biomass that is consumed as fuel. Does it return to the ecosystem somehow? I imagine switchgrass and corn will get consumed and "returned" as "fertilizer". I kind of get the idea that this may be unsustainable.

Posted by gorb 2008-05-02 16:35|| 2008-05-02 16:35|| Front Page Top

#4 its a step in the right direction.

not if it's subsidized.

Posted by Nimble Spemble 2008-05-02 16:38|| 2008-05-02 16:38|| Front Page Top

#5 I believe switchgrass is a native species, Nimble Spemble. It will provide habitat to lots of animals and birds until harvested each year, so that that isn't a bad thing.

Posted by trailing wife ">trailing wife 2008-05-02 17:17|| 2008-05-02 17:17|| Front Page Top

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