Title :

Fundamental Research to Facilitate Bioenergy Crop Development

Description :

The DOE Bioenergy Research Centers are working with a few carefully selected model species of woody plants and grasses. Different genes and pathways found to improve bioenergy-related qualities in these model systems can be used to advance the development of other potential bioenergy crops that grow best in different regions of the United States (see map). To obtain enough biomass for large-scale production of biofuels, a variety of perennial grasses and woody crops well suited to different geographies and regional climates across the nation will need to be grown. Perennials are “low-maintenance” crops because they are not planted annually like most traditional row crops. Perennials also have longer growing seasons and require little fertilizer and other inputs. Their extensive root systems reduce erosion and increase soil quality. An additional benefit of some perennials is that a large fraction of mineral nutrients from above-ground portions of the plant are deposited underground before harvest. [Adapted from a figure produced by DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory Biomass Program.]

Citation :

Bioenergy Research Centers: An Overview of the Science, U.S. Department of Energy, February 2008. DOE/SC-0104.

Credit or Source :

Adapted from a figure by DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory Biomass Program

Hi Res :

High-Resolution Image