Study suggests benefits of switchgrass

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Switchgrass produces 540 percent more energy than it uses to grow, a study by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says.

Switchgrass grown for biofuel production produces more energy than needed to grow, harvest and process it into cellulosic ethanol, according to estimates from a large on-farm study, Science Daily reported.

Results from the five-year, three-state study highlight the prairie grass' potential as a biomass fuel source. The study and report suggest switchgrass yields significantly more energy than corn, said Ken Vogel, a U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service geneticist in UNL's agronomy and horticulture department.

"This clearly demonstrates that switchgrass is not only energy efficient, but can be used in a renewable biofuel economy to reduce reliance of fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance rural economies," Vogel said, according to Science Daily.

The findings also suggest greenhouse gas emissions from cellulosic ethanol made from switchgrass were 94 percent lower than estimated greenhouse gas emissions from gasoline production.

"However, caution should be used in making direct ethanol yield comparisons with cellulosic sources and corn grains because corn grain conversion technology is mature, whereas cellulosic conversion efficiency technology is based on an estimated value," Vogel said, according to Science Daily.