Bioenergy
Bioenergy
Overview
"Bioenergy" refers to renewable energy produced from biological sources. In Georgia, many sources of potential bioenergy production focus on what would otherwise be the waste products from agricultural activities. Current research efforts concentrate on cellulose from pine tree chips, switchgrass for its high yields and low inputs relative to other bioenergy crops, corn ethanol, fat, oil and grease from poultry processes, and methane from the anaerobic digestion of unsellable fruits and vegetables. Reflecting this potential of the state's bioenergy industry, Georgia has recently hosted the Southeast Bioenergy Conference.
As our nation looks to plants to satisfy its growing energy demands, University of Georgia researchers are searching for answers to both long-term and near-term research questions associated with bioenergy production.
Publications
Featured Publications
The Management and Use of Switchgrass in Georgia (B 1358)
Recently, switchgrass has attracted attention as a potential bioenergy crop. High yields of biomass with relatively few inputs make switchgrass a favorable choice for bioenergy production. In contrast, the use of switchgrass in pastures and hayfields in Georgia is limited because other introduced species (e.g., bermudagrass, bahiagrass, tall fescue, etc.) are more easily managed for high yields and forage quality. This publication provides basic information about switchgrass and its use as a bioenergy crop, forage crop, and wildlife habitat.
Canola Production in Georgia (B 1331)
Growing canola profitably takes planning and good management. All aspects of production from seed selection to harvest to marketing must be taken into account if the grower is to make a profit with this crop. Land preparation, fertility management, weed and other pest control, and timely harvest and marketing are all components of a good canola production package. Before you grow canola, dedicate yourself to make “best management practices� a part of your production system.
To see a full list of publications, visit the CAES Publications site or the FACS Publications listing.
News
For the latest news about Extension, visit
Georgia FACES.
News you can use about Georgia family, agricultural, consumer and enviromental sciences.
- Research shows promising results for Georgia beet production
- UGA's Southeast Energy Options Conference features Jimmy Carter and alternative energy experts
- 2013 Ag Forecast to focus on agricultural exports
- UGA researchers in agriculture and forestry receive $2 million in grants to study biofuel crops
- Preparing for the biofuel era in Georgia
- UGA scientist Andy Paterson named Regents Professor
- NASCAR's Kenny Wallace champions ethanol at Southeast Bioenergy Conference
- UGA researcher wins Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation Agriscience Award
- UGA receives USDA organic agriculture grant
- Ag Futures: local food, biofuels distract from global food needs
Websites
UGA-affiliated sites
- Alternative Fuels
Index of news reports on alternative fuels. - Grassoline
Brief speculation on forages as a source of bioenergy. - Impact Statements: Bioenergy
Descriptions of Extension efforts to improve knowledge & practices related to bioenergy. - Switchgrass
Presents detailed information on switchgrass varieties, planting, fertilizing and harvesting. Also includes extensive links.
External sites
- Southeast Bioenergy Conference
Includes PDFs of most presentations from the conference.
