Agri News, MN
03-20-07
Midwest news and notes
ISU researchers study biomass options
Researchers in the Iowa State University department of agronomy are working to
answer questions surrounding Iowa's role in the future of bioenergy production.
"Feedstock production and environmental sustainability, soil conservation, soil
organic matter and nutrient management are all things we need to consider in the
production of feedstock for bioenergy,'' said Kendall Lamkey, interim chairman
of the agronomy department. "The immediate goals in biomass production and
sustainability are to maximize biomass production in legacy crops, such as corn,
soybeans, alfalfa and switchgrass. The long-term goals are to identify and
improve new bioenergy crops and to develop cropping systems that maximize
total biomass yield.''
Iowans optimistic about biofuels impact
Most Iowans think that biofuels are key to the state's economic future, says John
Payne, vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach.
Payne goes on to say that a recent poll found that to a lesser extent, Iowans
think that biofuels will have a positive impact on their local economies.