Development and evaluation of equipment for the production and harvesting of willow biomass|
2007 Impact statement- Aneshansley, Daniel Joseph
abstract
As the uses for biomass evolve, there will be a need to develop and adapt agricultural equipment for planting, harvesting, and processing the variety of plants that could be used.
submitted by
- Aneshansley, Daniel Joseph | Professor
issue being addressed
Interest from the electric generation utilities to co-fire biomass with coal provided the inital interest in developing willow as such a product. Fast-growing willow clones can be grown on marginal agricultural land and
provide a unique energy source. Agricultural land that is no longer in use can become productive. Traditional and independent energy producers, as well as owners of "retired" and active farmland, are interested in the
potential for biomass production. Biomass production with willow requires the development and adaption of equipment for production and harvesting.
provide a unique energy source. Agricultural land that is no longer in use can become productive. Traditional and independent energy producers, as well as owners of "retired" and active farmland, are interested in the
potential for biomass production. Biomass production with willow requires the development and adaption of equipment for production and harvesting.
response
The development and evaluation of planting and harvesting equipment for willow crops has been the focus of this project. The development of an equipment base for this industry is an important part of the continued development of the concept. Work has been initiated with manufacturers of specialized harvesting equipment in England to create specialized heads, which are fitted to traditional harvesters to provide chipped-wood products. There are available planters already on the market but there is a need to develop modified or new planting machines to faciliate willow crop planting.
impact assessment
This research has already generated interest from farmers, power companies, and landowners. Progress has been made in developing equipment to enhance the viability of a new agricultural product -- willow -- that could be grown on marginal land, as well as a new biomass energy-generation industry. Willow is an advantagous biomass crop because once it is planted, it will grow for 20 or more years and can be harvested every three to four years. The agricultural operations of planting and harvesting would most likely be carried out by a company associated with final use of the product.
academic priority area
- Environmental Sciences | CALS academic priority
- Land-Grant Mission | CALS academic priority
topic description
Biomass Production
has geographic focus
- United Kingdom | country
- Canada | country
- Pennsylvania | state
- New York State | state
funding source description
- Smith-Lever 3(b) & (c)
- Hatch
collaborators
- New Holland
- SUNY ESF
key personnel
- Larry Smart
- Ed J Priepke
- Tim Volk
- Larry Abrahamson
mission focus
- extension/outreach | project type
From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008