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MASbio

Feedstock Production

Land Reclamation and Feedstock Production

The goal of Land Reclamation and Feedstock Production is to identify and demonstrate feasible and cost- effective approaches to soil amendment and feedstock production to increase the biomass yield on reclaimed and marginal lands. Learn the innovative techniques to rejuvenate and maximize the potential of once-neglected landscapes, making them a hub of green productivity. Discover the keys to sustainable land use and a brighter, more eco-conscious future.

The Team: Jamie Schuler (lead), Zach Freedman (co-lead), Shawn Grushecky, Amir Hass, MikeJacobson, Louis McDonald, Jeff Skousen, and Tim Volk.


PUBLICATIONS

1. Early production of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and willow (Salix spp.) indicates carbon accumulation potential in Appalachian reclaimed mine and agriculture soil

The production of bioproduct feedstocks such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and willow (Salix spp.) on degraded lands provides an opportunity to grow dedicated bioenergy crops with the potential to capture and store carbon in the soil while reducing competition with land for food production. This study examines select biological and chemical properties related to stable soil organic matter (SOM) production from the growth of switchgrass and willow on marginal soil over two growing seasons 

Carbon accumulation potential in Appalachian reclaimed mine and agriculture soil    

2. Yield and Survival of 19 Cultivars of Willow (Salix spp.) Biomass Crops over Eight Rotations

Shrub willow's high yield potential, rapid growth rate, and carbon neutrality make it an attractive option as a feedstock for the generation of renewable energy.   The objective of this study is to measure and report yield and survival data for 19 willow cultivars across eight rotations at a location in central NY state and to assess if weather patterns had a discernable impact on yield over time.

Biomass Crops over Eight Rotations    

3. Identification of Land and Potential Production of Willow Biomass Crops Using a Multi-Criteria Land Suitability Assessment

The New York State (NYS) Climate Act aims for net-zero emissions across all economic sectors by 2050, with renewable biofuels playing a key role in this transition. Approximately half of the biomass required for these biofuels is expected to come from purpose-grown sources like willow.  These results highlight the considerable potential for purpose-grown biomass in NYS, supporting the state’s decarbonization goals and renewable energy transition.

Production of Willow Biomass Crops   

4. Integrated Stochastic Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis for Shrub Willow Production in the Northeastern United States

The results of this analysis provide the bioenergy field and other interested stakeholders with both environmental and financial trade-offs of willow biomass to permit informed decisions about the future expansion of willow fields in the landscape, which have the potential to contribute to GHG reduction targets and conversion into fuels, energy, or bioproducts for carbon sequestration and financial benefits.  These results highlight the considerable potential for purpose-grown biomass in NYS, supporting the state’s decarbonization goals and renewable energy transition.

Shrub Willow Production in the Northeastern United States   

5. Below ground Biomass and Root: Shoot Ratios of Three Willow Cultivars at Two Sites.

Knowledge regarding resource partitioning and carbon levels is crucial for understanding the greenhouse gas balances of willow biomass crops and the economics of these systems, especially as markets develop and carbon pricing is implemented. Therefore, a comprehensive biomass inventory of the different components of three cultivars of short-rotation willows at two sites was conducted. 

Below Ground Biomass and Root Research  



Year 4 efforts

Land Reclamation and Feedstock production: Year 4 Accomplishments


Land reclamation and Feedstock Production Year 4 efforts part 2

P resentations: 

  1. CO2 Emission from Fast-Pyrolysis Biochar Amended Soil – Feedstock Effect and Agronomic Management

    The results of this study show that woody biochar can be used efficiently to sequester carbon in soil. Produced from selected feedstock, bioch ar as soil amendment can be a useful carbon-sink pathway to remove atmospheric carbon into more recalcitrant form and pool, storing it in the ground and attenuating its release back to the atmosphere.

    C02 Emission Presentation

  2. Effect of Biochar Modification on Removal of Selenium and Heavy Metals ecosystems. Effective reclamation and Heavy metals.

    This study tested the use of fast pyrolysis southern yellow pine biochar for removal of selenium and heavy metals in water. Natural (Chitosan) and synthetic polymers (Poly-diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; PDDA) were used to modify the biochar to improve its sorbent capacity and efficacy.

    Effect of Biochar Modification Presentation


More Resources

Feedstock Production Land and Team in the field