Can Understory from Managed Pine Forests be Used as Feedstock In the Biochemical Biorefinery?

2009 DOT-RITA Seed Award

 

PI: Dr. Danielle Julie Carrier (University of Arkansas, Biological and Agricultural Engineering)
Co-PI: Dr. Matthew Pelkki (University of Arkansas-Monticello, School of Forest Resources )

Funded: $70,000

Start Date: 12/01/2009

End Date: 11/30/2012

 

Expected Outcomes

The goal of this project is to demonstrate the use of understory growth from southern pine forests as feedstock in the biochemical-based biorefinery.

 

Outcomes through the work conducted in Objective 1 will be to establish the location and quantity of available sweetgum feedstock; and, to estimate available quantities of either pure sweetgum or sweetgum-hardwood mixtures.

Outcomes for Objective 2 will result in determining if the biochemical platform can tolerate some contamination in terms of feedstock.

Outcomes for Objective 3 will be dependent on results from Objectives 1 & 2. If the biochemical-based platform can tolerate contamination in terms of feedstock, then harvesting practices possibilities can be designed. On the other hand, if sweetgum feedstock needs to be provided in a pure form, sole species harvesting practices can be designed.