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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #264179
Title: A ROADMAP FOR SUSTAINABLE ADVANCED BIOFUEL FEEDSTOCK PRODUCTION IN THE MID-SOUTH

Author
item Snider, John
item DAS, PRADIP - Monsanto Corporation
item Raper, Randy

Submitted to: Soil and Water Conservation Society
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2011
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Although various studies exist that deal with the production of bioenergy crops, a number of aspects of bioenergy feedstock production are strongly influenced by the region in which the feedstock is produced and processed. Consequently, the Soil and Water Conservation Society held a meeting in Atlanta, GA from September 28-30, 2010 to develop regionally specific roadmaps for sustainable feedstock production. For the mid-south region, a team of experts developed a consensus roadmap for sustainable advanced biofuel feedstock production. Although a number of other crops were suggested as viable bioenergy feedstock sources based on sub-regional characteristics, woody crops, sorghum, and switchgrass were proposed as the most promising feedstock choices for the mid-south region as a whole. Additionally, the factors that limit or promote biofuel feedstock production in the mid-south were reviewed, and a timeline for bioenergy feedstock production was developed. This document will serve as a guideline for the sustainable production of bioenergy feedstock needed to ensure long-term energy security and independence in the mid-south region of the U.S.

Technical Abstract: Although various studies exist that deal with the production of bioenergy crops, a number of aspects of bioenergy feedstock production (feedstock choice, natural resource availability, available infrastructure, etc.) are strongly influenced by the region in which the feedstock is produced and processed. Consequently, a regional roadmap for sustainable advanced biofuel feedstock production was developed for the mid-south region of the United States. Although a number of other crops were suggested as viable bioenergy feedstock sources based on sub-regional characteristics, woody crops, sorghum, and switchgrass were proposed as the most promising feedstock choices for the mid-south region as a whole. Additionally, the factors that limit or promote biofuel feedstock production in the mid-south were reviewed, and a timeline for bioenergy feedstock production was developed. Additionally, natural resource concerns, policy issues, and research and development needs were identified that govern biofuel feedstock production in the mid-south, and a timeline with recommended actions for bioenergy feedstock production was developed. This document serves as a guideline for sustainable feedstock production by identifying key issues and providing recommendations for long-term bioenergy feedstock production in the mid-south.