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Bioenergy
Biomass
Biomass production worth looking into
August 29, 2014 - Cash crop farmers across the province can find new opportunities in the burgeoning bio-economy, says the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
"The OFA is particularly interested n the potential for its members to tap into a growing opportunity for crop residue use and new crop options," Don McCabe, the organization's vice-president, writes in a commentary posted on its website.
Biomass is the term used to define residues or purpose-grown crops sold to other types of markets. Depending on the technology present in the area, local biomass can be used for composites, sugars or energy.
The most promising purpose-grown biomass crops at present are miscanthus and switchgrass.
"Growing them is worth investigating for those looking to diversify their crop options," says McCabe.
Residue collection from corn and wheat fields, while ensuring soil health, will be needed from high-yielding fields for the biomass market.
September 2, 2014 By Brantford Expositor
