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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Pasture Biomass Estimation Using Crop Surface Modeling And Vegetation Indices, Brendan Macinnis
Pasture Biomass Estimation Using Crop Surface Modeling And Vegetation Indices, Brendan Macinnis
All Theses
Biomass estimations are a critical function of any grazing or haylage system. Determination of ideal harvesting or grazing times help optimize the quality and quantity of above-ground biomass (AGB). The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for Alfalfa and Tall Fescue biomass estimations. Using a DJI Mavic Pro, RGB and NDVI images were taken and used to create orthomosaic images. Structure-from-motion (SfM) techniques were used to developed digital elevation models to evaluate the change in canopy height (∆H) between pre- and post-harvests. Change in canopy height (∆H) was shown to provide the …
Switchgrass Yield And Quality With Multiple Fertilizer Applications And Harvest Dates, Thomas Clarkson Keene
Switchgrass Yield And Quality With Multiple Fertilizer Applications And Harvest Dates, Thomas Clarkson Keene
Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is an important native warm-season grass for biomass and forage production in the U.S. This research determined the effect of fertilizer type (conventional, manure, and biosolids) and rate on switchgrass biomass yield and forage quality. Fertilizers were added at 0, 33, 67, 100, and 134 kg N ha-1 on established stands of ‘Kanlow’ switchgrass in three northeastern Kentucky counties. Soils across sites ranged from recently cleared forestland (low pH, P, and K) to productive cropland (high pH, P and K). Stands were sampled for forage nutritive value in June, simulating a hay harvest. Nutritive …
Forage And Biomass Dual-Purpose Harvest System Using Native Warm-Season Grasses, David Weston Mcintosh
Forage And Biomass Dual-Purpose Harvest System Using Native Warm-Season Grasses, David Weston Mcintosh
Masters Theses
There has been increasing interest in utilizing native warm-season grasses (NWSGs), especially switchgrass, as a biomass feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production. Millions of hectares of crop and pasture in the mid-South are forecast to potentially be planted with switchgrass for biomass feedstock production. This could have a substantial impact on the region’s cattle industry, reducing forage production hectares. This study was conducted to determine the effect of early season harvest timing on forage and biomass of NWSGs designed for use in cellulosic ethanol production. The over-all hypothesis was to determine if an early forage harvest can be included in a …
Environmental Tradeoffs In Bioenergy Production And Agricultural Practices, Alicia Lynn English
Environmental Tradeoffs In Bioenergy Production And Agricultural Practices, Alicia Lynn English
Open Access Dissertations
The focus of this dissertation is the environmental tradeoffs of stover removal within the Corn Belt. The environmental tradeoffs considered are mainly concerned with managing soil erosion and soil quality. The analysis layers soil characteristics, management strategies and per acre costs using an integrated RUSLE2/WEPS model and an economic optimization model to illuminate a lower bound supply response. Different assumptions were tested in regards to sustainability, prices, and market integration for five states and 18,760 soil types throughout the Corn Belt. Sustainability was defined to limit soil erosion from wind and water to 5 tons/acre/year and the soil organic matter …
Design And Use Of An Adjustable Clearance Flailing Knife Biomass Shredder To Mechanically Increase Particle Surface Area, Shawn Gregory Ehlers
Design And Use Of An Adjustable Clearance Flailing Knife Biomass Shredder To Mechanically Increase Particle Surface Area, Shawn Gregory Ehlers
Open Access Theses
A flailing knife shredder was designed and tested as an alternative to a hammermill for processing biomass. The machine was comprised of two cylinders with four rungs, each with five free-swinging blades. Each of the two cylinders had adjustable clearance hoods and variable speed drives. Energy usage, output characteristics and device capacities were compared with corn stover processed at moisture contents (MC) of 10%, 35% and 50% wet basis (WB). The hammermill produced a more uniform particle size distribution in comparison to the shredder. Accessibility, indicated by conductivity index, to plant constituents, revealed that the method of treatment was not-significant …
Economic Modeling & Optimization Of A Region Specific Multi-Feedstock Biorefinery Supply Chain, William H. Faulkner
Economic Modeling & Optimization Of A Region Specific Multi-Feedstock Biorefinery Supply Chain, William H. Faulkner
Theses and Dissertations--Manufacturing Systems Engineering
The objective of this thesis is to include strategic and tactical level decisions into the biorefinery supply chain design for a specific region while comparing multiple conversion technologies and biomass feedstocks. The allocation of biomass feedstocks, products, and the respective supply chain configuration locations are determined while ensuring the regions monthly biomass availability and product market demand constraints are met. This research considers all actions required to bring the bio-based products to market from harvesting, storing, and processing the biomass to market distribution. Two different conversion technologies are chosen for comparison: one advanced conversion technology and one conventional technology. Potential …
Small Mammal Populations In Switchgrass Stands Managed For Biomass Production Compared To Hay And Corn Fields In Kentucky, Laura Mary Jane Schwer
Small Mammal Populations In Switchgrass Stands Managed For Biomass Production Compared To Hay And Corn Fields In Kentucky, Laura Mary Jane Schwer
University of Kentucky Master's Theses
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a native warm-season grass, has been investigated as a renewable energy crop that may provide viable wildlife habitat. This study investigated small mammal populations in switchgrass, hay, and corn to assess the relative habitat quality. Four, three-night trapping sessions were conducted at four locations in Kentucky using Sherman livetraps. Trapping occurred in spring (before first hay harvest), summer, fall (before switchgrass and corn harvest), and winter (post-harvest). Relative abundance of small mammals, calculated using a capture per unit effort index (per 100 trapnights), and mean taxonomic richness were used to compare habitats. Switchgrass had a …
Cellulosic Ethanol In Louisiana: A Three Part Economic Analysis Of Feedstocks, Pricing Strategies And Location Strategies, Tyler B. Mark
Cellulosic Ethanol In Louisiana: A Three Part Economic Analysis Of Feedstocks, Pricing Strategies And Location Strategies, Tyler B. Mark
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
The development of an efficient biomass supply chain is pivotal for the cellulosic ethanol industry. The Louisiana Sugarcane Belt, and energy cane are the focus of this study. From both the producer and processor perspectives, cost of production, competitiveness of cellulosic ethanol, biomass pricing, changes in crop mix, and the optimal location for cellulosic ethanol processing facilities are the critical factors evaluated. Educating potential energy cane producers on production costs and agronomic practices is the first step in the biomass supply chain. This study finds that for energy cane producers to breakeven, processors need to pay producers at least $30 …
Development Of In Vitro Protocols To Enhance Secondary Metabolite Production From Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.), Matthew Cousins
Development Of In Vitro Protocols To Enhance Secondary Metabolite Production From Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.), Matthew Cousins
All Theses
Plant and organ culture can readily be applied to the field of medicinal plant and secondary metabolite production. Many studies that have been conducted attest to the utility of in vitro methods for preservation of genetic diversity, propagation of clonal individuals for use in commercial field planting, and production of metabolites directly from culture. Experiments have also shown that tissue culture is an important tool for enhancement of medicinal compound production utilizing various methods including elicitation. This thesis focuses on production of metabolites using an in vitro system. An overview in the form of a literature review is provided, which …