ARF25 - Species, soil type, and management interactions on profitability and properties of biomass for pellet production

| Alternative Renewable Fuels - Project Summaries 2007-08 |

Researcher:

Dr. Bill Deen, Dept. of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph

Objectives:

1. Evaluate grass species across varied soil types and management systems for suitability for biomass production: establishment feasibility, stand persistence, time to maximum stand yield potential, standability, yield.

2. Identify species, soil types and management practices that correlate with improved physical, chemical and energy properties of pellets. Evaluate amendments to the biomass and biomass blends that could improve pellet properties.

3. Determine ash suitability as a soil amendment and potential to be marketed as a certified organic fertilizer

4. Assess net energy and profitability of biomass production relative to other land uses.
   

Expected Benefits:

Locally grown and combusted biomass feed stocks are a rural initiative where the biomass is consumed in the immediate area it is grown, consequently much of the benefit stays within the community. Densification of the biomass allows for export to more distant markets, such as those emerging in the Far East and Europe.

Relative to conventional wood boilers, pellet boilers could reduce emissions, operating costs, reduce infrastructure costs, reduce maintenance, storability, ease in handling and increase combustion efficiency

Summary of Research Results:

Not currently available