Biomass may help solve world energy problems

UC Cooperative Extension forage specialist Dan Putnam believes California farmers need to envision and implement biomass-based, highly productive food, fuel and energy production systems to meet the increasing demands of the growing world population.

Putnam's thoughts were written up by reporter Cary Blake and posted yesterday on the Western Farm Press website.

The article noted that one biomass crop showing potential in California is switchgrass, which is grown in other parts of the country for forage. Putnam has four switchgrass trials underway.

"The switchgrass yields, especially in the Central Valley, California trials, are quite impressive on good soils with irrigation," Putnam was quoted in the story. "Yields have reached 18 tons per acre — some of the highest switchgrass yields recorded in the nation."

The fact that switchgrass may not need water year round is another favorable attribute. The plant's deep root system enables it to survive in low water conditions.

"This is very encouraging, especially in California where water supplies are an ongoing concern," Putnam said.

Putnam urged farmers to cautiously investigate biomass to determine how it may fit into their diversification portfolio.

"The next few years should be an exciting ride for U.S. agriculture in terms of new opportunities in the energy sector," Blake wrote in closing.

Switchgrass is a possible biofuel crop.

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