Partners
The project team has over 20 years’ experience working together in both the research aspects and commercial production of switchgrass as a biomass crop.
FDC Enterprises is an agriculture production company with over two decades of experience developing switchgrass biomass cropping systems, biomass equipment research and development and has consulted with many key leaders in the biomass industry over that time. FDCE is the nation’s leader of switchgrass establishment and harvesting innovations. They have been part of several innovative DOE research grant opportunities and have planted over 400,000 acres of native grass since 2003. View client testimonial.
Developing biomass feedstock supply chains and supporting development of local biomass projects are core practices for Antares Group, a renewable energy company owned by Stark Tech. Since its founding in 1993, Antares has worked with public and private sector clients to improve the productivity, economics and environmental performance of the production of switchgrass and other bioenergy feedstocks. Antares has built a portfolio of experience through “lessons learned” from the Chariton Valley Biomass Project nearly three decades ago and more recently as a key partner in U.S. Department of Energy funded, stakeholder led biomass research and development projects.
Prairie Lands Bio-Products Inc is a grower group with experience in member engagement for production contracts and owns a biomass processing facility near Ottumwa, IA. Prairie Land’s growers/farmers have successfully operated that processing facility and recognized the value of growing perennial switchgrass production systems that can reduce soil erosion, improve soil health water and holding capacity and reduce emissions into the atmosphere.
Erosion
“The loss of only 1/32 of an inch (about the thickness of a dime) can easily represent more than 5 tons per acre of soil losses.”
— USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service [PDF]
Iowa State University’s Prairie Strips Study supports dramatic reduction in sediment discharge — up to 95% for conversion of as little as 10% of a field converted to prairie filter strips like switchgrass.
Sheet and rill erosion carry away your soil, reduces levels of organic matter in the soil, and is a factor in the breakdown of soil structure. All of these make your land less productive.
EROSION
How switchgrass reduces erosion
Switchgrass — a warm-season, native perennial grass — has a deep growing, massive fibrous root system. By holding firm to the soil, and producing extraordinary above ground growth, switchgrass minimizes exposed soil beyond the initial target area.
When soil erodes it carries phosphorus (P), which attaches to soil particles and enhances algae bloom in rivers, streams, and bodies of water. It renders those waters poor for human consumption, swimming, and fish and aquatic habitat. As water rushes off the landscape to rivers and streams it contributes to flooding events. Slowing down the water and allowing it to penetrate the soil profile lessens the impact to neighbors downstream and to the infrastructure servicing those areas.
This is where switchgrass excels! Above ground switchgrass growth is stiff-stemmed and robust, initially intercepting rainfall and provides resistance to overland flow of water. When this runoff is slowed, it loses energy for erosion and mowing nutrients across the landscape.
Once established, the root system of switchgrass creates and intricate web of porous channels underground, allowing for great water infiltration on site. This root activity promotes and protects microbial activity in the soil profile.