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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Phenotypic Evaluation Of Energycane (Saccharum Spp.) Genotypes In Northcentral Mississippi, Wyatt Armistead Eason
Phenotypic Evaluation Of Energycane (Saccharum Spp.) Genotypes In Northcentral Mississippi, Wyatt Armistead Eason
Theses and Dissertations
As fossil fuel supplies decrease and concerns of climate change increase, the search for alternative sources of fuel has pushed biomass crops to the forefront of discussion. Saccharum spontaneum readily hybridizes with commercial sugarcane and lends cold tolerance and greater yields to the hybrid progeny, called energycane. Twenty genotypes were tested against an energycane variety (Ho 02-113) as a control. Two locations were tested: the HH Leveck Animal Research Center (planted in 2019), and the Bearden Dairy Research Center (planted in 2020). The Bearden Dairy Research Center yielded significantly higher than the HH Leveck Animal Research Center regarding dry matter …
Using Thermal Units To Predict Biomass Accumulation And Total Nitrogen Uptake For Cover Crops In Arkansas, Mila Victório Pessotto
Using Thermal Units To Predict Biomass Accumulation And Total Nitrogen Uptake For Cover Crops In Arkansas, Mila Victório Pessotto
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Including cover crops in agricultural production systems is an important management practice. Cover cropping can improve soil health, increase plant-available nitrogen (N), provide surface residue to prevent erosional soil loss, increase water infiltration, and increase weed suppression. Cover crops growth can be predicted using thermal days or growing degree days [GDD] similar to commodity crops such as corn (Zea mays L.) or rice (Oryza sativa). Growing degree day calculations are a well-known tool to predict crop growth stage or development stage and can be adapted for use in any plant species, including cover crops. Identifying and developing the relationship between …
Enhancing The Sustainability Of Integrated Biofuel Feedstock Production Systems, Amanda Joy Ashworth
Enhancing The Sustainability Of Integrated Biofuel Feedstock Production Systems, Amanda Joy Ashworth
Doctoral Dissertations
As use of second-generation biofuel crops increases, so do questions about sustainability, particularly their potential to affect fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrogen (N)-fixing legumes interseeded into switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) may be an alternative to inorganic fertilizer in forage-feedstock systems. Research herein is divided into four general experiments: I). N replacement and feedstock impacts from legume intercrops and biochar in switchgrass; II). N-fixation rates in intercrop systems; III). impacts of biofuel systems under enhanced climate change; and, IV). projected sustainability of regional switchgrass production. Approaches included: characterization of feedstock/forage quality traits based on legume, biochar and …
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 …
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 …