65a67d99__Biopower_in_the_United_States__4
[0] Switchgrass (example of several possible perennial warm-season grasses) [1] 7,754-8,233 [2] 4-9 dry tons/acre/year range in research trials [3] Suitable for growth on marginal land Relatively high, reliable productivity across a wide geographical range Low water and nutrient requirements Provides wildlife cover and erosion control Can be grown and harvested with existing farm equipment Planted by seeding Low moisture content if harvested in late fall (15% to 20%) Few major insect or disease pests [5] Native perennial grass Can be used for gasification, combustion or pyrolysis technologies to generate electricity or for biochemical conversion to ethanol Research for bioenergy feedstock began in the 1980s [4] 
No immediate harvest; takes two to three years to be established May require annual fertilization to optimize yields, but at relatively low levels Annual harvest must occur over a relatively short window of time each fall Year-round storage is needed if switchgrass is only feedstock for a bioenergy facility Energy content diminishes over year if not kept dry Ash content can be high
Biomass Feedstocks for Biopower in the United States
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