Project Number: 6602-13000-026-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jan 01, 2011
End Date: Dec 31, 2013

Objective:
1. To develop low-input production methods for napiergrass, energycane, forage sorghum and sweet sorghum. 2. To develop efficient and economical harvesting, field drying, densification and storage methods for the studied crops. 3. To measure carbon sequestration in the soil and plant, soil carbon dynamics, nitrogen cycling including mineralization and N-fixation by legumes and emission of nitrous oxide from different cropping systems. 4. To develop comprehensive life cycle assessment models to quantify the economic and environmental value of the production systems.

Approach:
Tifton-ARS scientists will contribute expertise in the area of perennial grass production, soil physical properties and greenhouse gas emission data collection. We supply research plots for field evaluations. Specifically, we will: Supply plant seed stock of energy cane and napiergrass to up to three experimental field sites. Contribute labor in data collection, harvest, as well as laboratory evaluations of soil and plant material. Assist in data analysis and publication of results. Collection of greenhouse gas samples.