Chesapeake Bay study compares nitrogen output of soy, corn and switchgrass

A report has been published comparing the impact on the Chesapeake Bay nitrogen levels of additional biofuel production. An EPA Chesapeake Bay project is attempting to reduce nitrogen levels by 90 million pounds. The report found that corn production increased nitrogen in the Bay by 16 pounds per acre under production, versus 8 additional pounds per acre of soybeans.

The report found that switchgrass production would reduce nitrogen levels by 27 pounds per acre under production.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

Five-year study on switchgrass finds a 500 percent return on energy inputs; US cellulosic ethanol prospects receive a huge boost

In the first comprehensive report on the biofuel potential of switchgrass, a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science says that switchgrass has a yield of more than fi...

Illinois researchers says farmers won’t switch to cellulosic feedstocks until more profitable than corn, soy

In Illinois, researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign surveyed local farmers and report that the major challenge in developing cellulosic ethanol will be to persuade farmers to grow t...

Switchgrass fuel costs as low as 44 cents per gallon, says research team after five-year study

In Nebraska, a research team at the University of Nebraska released more details on a five-year, 10-farm study on switchgrass production. The research team determined that five farmers achieved averag...

“Corn-Based Ethanol in Illinois and the U.S” report records 30,000 downloads in first month

In Illinois, more than 30,000 downloads have been recorded in one month for a report titled "Corn-Based Ethanol in Illinois and the U.S". The 160-page report was authored by 14 members of the College ...

National Biodiesel Board awards $1.2 million to Danforth Center for soybean oil yield study

The National Biodiesel Board awarded a $1.2 million research grant to the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to fund a three-year project to enhance the oil yield from soybeans. The grant was admini...

Voluntary renewable energy surcharge program a bust for Alabama Power

In Alabama, response has been low to an Alabama Power Company program in which utility customers can subsidize a renewable energy project through voluntary surcharges to their utility bills. Under the...