Biofuel Research in Canada: Some Results from Eastern Ontario

Abstract

Depleting non renewable fuel resources and environmental concerns have renewed interest in sustainable environment-friendly biofuel resources. While one of the oldest sources of energy, crops occupy a large piece in the puzzle for future energy supplies. Several bioenergy projects have been launched at Kemptville since 2008 to study production potential and challenges with respect to varietal effects, nutrient requirements, mineral concentration in tissues, weed management and final product quality. The crops studied could be categorized into 3 different groups; biomass crops (perennial biomass grasses and woody species), biodiesel crops and ethanol crops. The objective of this paper it to report the effects of nitrogen (N) levels on biomass production from switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.), big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii Vit.) indiangrass ( Sorghastrum nutans Nash.) and Miscanthus ( Miscanthus sinensis x M. sacchariflorus ). Our results on prairie perennial grasses indicate that it is possible to produce up to 10 Mg dry biomass/ha/yr with minimal nitrogen input (up to 50 kg/ha). At these levels, a sustainable and efficient production can be achieved. For Miscanthus, assuming a 100% establishment and winter survival rates, Miscanthus stands will be able to produce >40 Mg dry biomass/ha/yr at 120 kg N/ha. Our research helps producers make informed decisions with regard to species selection, seeding rates, fertilizer rates, expected yields and energy values of little-known bioenergy crops.