Investigation & Simulation of Environmental & Economic Impacts and Economic Feasibility for Sweet Sorghum as a Sustainable Bioenergy Crop In South Central U.S. to Help Meet EISA Goals

2009 DOT-RITA Seed Award

PI: Dr. Richard Nelson (Kansas State University, Engineering Extension)
Co-PI: Dr. Donghai Wang (Kansas State University)
Co-PI: Dr. Scott Staggenborg (Kansas State University)
Co-PI: Dr. Michael Langemeier (Kansas State University

Funded: $60,952

Start Date: 12/01/2009

End Date: 5/31/2012

 

Expected Outcomes

Cropland, range and pastureland, scrubland, and marginal acreage possess significant geographic potential for alternate liquid fuel production. However, the manner in which these lands are utilized and managed for bioenergy production is extremely critical in assessing the energy, environmental, and economic sustainability of bio-based fuels.

 

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of environmental and economic impacts associated with bioenergy resources at the sub-county level is absolutely critical to optimizing long-term sustainable bioenergy production strategies for maximizing energy returns, enhancing environmental quality, and economic feasibility related to large-scale bioenergy crop production.