43 acres Planted in 1999 Mixed stand - Switchgrass, Cave-In-Rock 2 #s PLS ac. - Indiangrass, Rumsey 1.5 #s PLS ac. - Big Bluestem, Rountree 2 #s PLS ac. - Little Bluestem, Western Native 1 # PLS ac. Ground preparation: Gramoxone + sticker Installed fire break around field VaDOF supervised burn Planted with VaDGIF WSG drill (two box) @ ¼” ac. Cost share = 75% WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program) 5 year contract. Took three years to fully establish
Benefits Soil Huge, very deep root system Breaks up compacted soil Absorbs nutrients Wildlife habitat Bunchgrass Little animals run between plants Excellent overhead cover
Uses Agriculture: Forage – Late season when cool season grasses are dormant Hay – Use conventional hay equipment Mulch – Holds moisture Poultry bedding – Absorbes moisture and does not pack down
Agriculture: Forage – Late season when cool season grasses are dormant Hay – Use conventional hay equipment Mulch – Holds moisture Poultry bedding – Absorbes moisture and does not pack down Agriculture: Forage – Late season when cool season grasses are dormant Hay – Use conventional hay equipment Mulch – Holds moisture Poultry bedding – Absorbes moisture and does not pack down
Environmental Benefits Better than carbon neutral when it replaces carbon based fuels such as coal or oil. Consumes (sequesters) 25% more carbon than it releases. While it doesn’t need P and K, it will absorb it.
Average about six tons per acre
Potential Energy Uses Ethanol – Cellulostic plant Starches can be seperated from the plant Naturally by paralasis or chemically with enzymes It burns really HOT ! Can be used as a pellet fuel Or burned to generate steam in boilers Steam heat Turn electric tubines Burns clean
PGH Final DEQ test 115 tons Contracting with growers, harvesters, truckers, warehouse, insurance, etc. Securing: Tub grinder, walking bed trailers Specs: 15% moisture, ¾ “ pieces
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