DISPLACING IMPORTED PETROLEUM WITH RENEWABLES

Finite petroleum supplies, rising oil prices, energy security, and the desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to increased demand for renewable energy supplies in the U.S. Consequently, the U.S. Department of Energy has set a 30% renewable fuel goal by 2030. Our project supports this overall effort by evaluating promising crops for Florida for both sugar and lignocellulosic (biomass) conversion to ethanol. Currently, corn grain from Midwestern states is the major source of ethanol in the U.S. However, since Florida is at a comparative disadvantage for corn production, it currently contributes little to U.S. ethanol production even though climatically it is favorably positioned to contribute to the national need for bioenergy crops and renewable fuels. Factors inhibiting ethanol production in Florida are numerous and include lack of agronomic and environmental information on crops and cropping systems throughout the state, lack of refining facilities, and economic uncertainty. This project will determine the potential for sustainable sugar and biomass production across a climatic gradient in Florida so that bioenergy crop production will be an alternative for farmers who currently have limited profitable land-use options. Over two growing seasons, we will evaluate replicated field plots of sweet sorghum, sugarcane, and elephantgrass at locations in North, Central and South Florida. At time of harvest, total green biomass weight and dry weight will be measured. For sorghum and sugarcane, several stalks will be pressed for juice and analyzed for sugar (`brix') by hand held refractive index monitor. Juice and plant tissue samples will be further analyzed for sugar composition, water insoluble fiber and nitrogen and phosphorus. This project will identify promising species/varieties for biofuel production and lead to improved knowledge of production practices for optimizing biomass and/or sugar production of potential bioenergy grasses in Florida. Expected outputs from the project include statewide presentations, extension publications and peer-reviewed scientific publications. These summary outputs are expected to reduce barriers between processing plants and producers to stimulate investment in biofuel production. Furthermore, these results will support informed decisions regarding the roles of sugarcane, sweet sorghum and elephantgrass as bioenergy species in the U.S. Gulf Coast Region.