Mesquite: a new and important complement to the biofuels supply chain? Yes, say Texas A&M researchers

August 3, 2014 |

In Texas, A recent Texas A&M AgriLife Research study is outlining the potential of mesquite as a cellulosic biofuels feedstock. The study, Economic and Greenhouse Gas Efficiency of Honey Mesquite Relative to Other Energy Feedstocks for Bioenergy Uses in the Southern Great Plains,” is available from Texas AgriLife.

Mesquite has a higher energy density per pound than most cellulosic feedstocks, but lagged slightly behind switchgrass when the biomass and energy efficiency were considered. However, mesquite appeared “superior to all the feedstocks in two categories – greenhouse gas offset efficiency and greenhouse gas use efficiency once land-use change effects were accounted for,” according to the research team.

The researchers said that “mesquite has even greater potential if additional benefits such as increased grass production for livestock grazing and reduction in herbicide or mechanical removal costs for mesquite control are considered.” The major downside is lower biomass production per acre per year. Upsides include zero fertilizer, irrigation or weed control costs, unlimited re-harvest potential every 10-12 years, the ability to harvest year round; and a dry moisture content.

More on the story.

Category: Fuels

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