Louisiana and its neighboring states have the potential to raise nonfood crops for biofuels because they have suitable available land and a long growing season, said Michael Blazier, assistant professor of forestry at the LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station near Homer.
Speaking at the Ark-La-Tex Forestry Field Tour on March 29, 2007, held in Homer, Blazier said switchgrass, Indian grass and big bluestem grass are three varieties he has planted among pine trees on the research station. He’s evaluating them as sources of biomass for the production of ethanol and how they grow around and among a thinned stand of loblolly pine trees.
He said switchgrass could be a good choice because it’s a summer perennial native to Louisiana, requires low amounts of herbicide and fertilizer to get established, requires little or no management, is tolerant to both drought and floods, grows well in partial shade and produces high yields.
“Louisiana has the diversity, climate and infrastructure for biofuels,” Blazier said.
Rick Bogren
(This article was published in the spring 2007 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.) |