In the context of growing evidence that switchgrass is one of the most promising biomass crops for energy production and thus for a 'biophilic' economy, this comprehensive guide covers their social benefits as well as relevant agronomy and marketing.

The demand for renewable energies from biomass is growing steadily as policies are enacted to encourage such development and as industry increasingly sees an opportunity to develop bio-energy enterprises. Recent policy changes in the EU, USA and other countries are spurring interest in the cultivation of energy crops such as switchgrass. Switchgrass has gained and early lead in the race to find a biomass feedstock for energy production (and for the almost requisite need for bio-based products from such feedstocks). Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy provides a comprehensive guide to the biology, physiology, breeding, culture and conversion of switchgrass as well as highlighting various environmental, economic and social benefits.Considering this potential energy source, Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy brings together chapters from a range of experts in the field, including a foreword from Kenneth P. Vogel, to collect and present the environmental benefits and characteristics of this a crop with the potential to mitigate the risks of global warming by replacing fossil fuels. Including clear figures and tables to support discussions, Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy provides a solid reference for anyone with interest or investment in the development of bioenergy; researchers, policy makers and stakeholders will find this a key resource.

Provides an introduction and thorough examination of switchgrass; a biomass crop with vast bioenegertic potential Explores the energetic, environmental, social, and economic benefits of switchgrass Includes clear figures and data tables to clearly establish the crop's physiology and to support the discussions it's potential impact Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Autorentext

Andrea Monti is Assistant Professor in Crop Science at the University of Bologna, Italy. He received his PhD in Crop Science from the University of Bologna, Italy, in 2002.

Authors by Chapter:
Foreword. Kenneth P Vogel
Chapter 1.David J. Parrish, Michael D. Casler and Andrea Monti
Chapter 2. Michael D. Casler
Chapter 3. Walter Zegada-Lizarazu, Stan D. Wullschleger, S. Surendran Nair and Andrea Monti
Chapter 4. Matt A. Sanderson, Marty Schmer, Vance Owens, Pat Keyser and Wolter Elbersen
Chapter 5. Rob Mitchell and Marty Schmer
Chapter 6. R. Howard Skinner, Walter Zegada-Lizarazu and John P. Schmidt
Chapter 7. Venkatesh Balan, Sandeep Kumar, Bryan Bals, Shishir Chundawat, Mingjie Jin and Bruce Dale
Chapter 8. Anthony Turhollow and Francis Epplin

Klappentext

The demand of renewable energies is growing steadily both from policy and from industry which seeks environmentally friendly feed stocks. The recent policies enacted by the EU, USA and other industrialized countries foresee an increased interest in the cultivation of energy crops; there is clear evidence that switchgrass is one of the most promising biomass crop for energy production and bio-based economy and compounds. Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy provides a comprehensive guide to switchgrass in terms of agricultural practices, potential use and markets, and environmental and social benefits.

Considering this potential energy source from its biology, breed and crop physiology to its growth and management to the economical, social and environmental impacts, Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy brings together chapters from a range of experts in the field, including a foreword from Kenneth P. Vogel, to collect and present the environmental benefits and characteristics of this a crop whit the potential to mitigate the risks of global warming by replacing fossil fuels.

Including clear figures and tables to support discussions, Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy provides a solid reference for anyone with interest or investment in the development of bioenergy; researchers policy makers and stakeholders will find this a key resource.

Inhalt

Foreword.- Preface.- 1. The Evolution of Switchgrass as an Energy Crop.- 2. Switchgrass Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics.- 3. Crop Physiology.- 4. Crop Management of Switchgrass.- 5. Switchgrass Harvest and Storage.- 6. Environmental Impacts of Switchgrass Management for Bioenergy Production.- 7. Biochemical and Thermochemical Conversion of Switchgrass to Biofuels.- 8. Estimating Region Specific Costs to Produce and Deliver Switchgrass.- Index.