SR9224 - Evaluation of biofuel crops grown on marginal land in eastern and northern Ontario

This project was funded by OMAFRA through the 2009 New Directions & Alternative Renewable Fuels Research program.

Lead researcher

Dr. Ashraf Tubeileh, University of Guelph - Kemptville Campus

Objectives

1. Investigate the production of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), common reed (Phragmites australis), and big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii) on marginal lands in Eastern and Northern Ontario.
2. Investigate the effects of fertilizer rates on biomass yield, ash content, and energy content on the said crops
3. Investigate weed management methods for switchgrass, big bluestem, reed canary grass and Miscanthus grown for biomass; the emphasis will be weed management at crop establishment but will extend to established stands
4. To evaluate these selected weed management methods in terms of crop safety, weed control efficacy and economics
5. To determine how these grass species can themselves be controlled
6. To develop weed management guidelines as part of an overall best agronomic practices package for grasses grown for biomass
7. To determine incidence and severity of other pests (diseases and insects) that could negatively affect production and/or function of these grasses for biofuel
8. Measure the energy output of said crops using ultimate and/or proximate analysis and the alkali metal content
9. Assess the environmental impacts of growing said crops
10. Determine the economics of growing said crops for biofuel

Expected benefits

To yield tangible and sustainable economic benefits for Eastern and Northern Ontario by creating new opportunities for agricultural production on marginal lands across those parts of the Province. Providing industries (e.g. greenhouses, cement plants, mines) and other sectors with inexpensive and renewable energy would increase the competitiveness of those businesses, create more jobs and help the ailing economy in those vulnerable parts of the Province. Weed pressure has often been a major barrier to the success of biofuel crop production. By studying production, weed, environmental and economic aspects, this project implements a unique, integrated approach to producing biofuels. Other biofuel projects in the Province have been mainly focusing on the production side of the system.

Results

Currently not available

Related information

• Other projects which were funded through the 2009 New Directions & Alternative Renewable Fuels Research Program
• The Alternative Renewable Fuels Research and Development Fund
• The New Directions Research Program