Cattails as an energy source
Recent research at the Universty of Minnesota has demonstrated that cattail (Typha spp.) is a promising candidate for wetland biomass production; it grows naturally in monoclultures, is highly productive, has few insect pests and can be grown on marginal lands. Biomass yields from natural stands often exceed 40 tons/kectare (1) while yields from plants grown in managed paddies on organic soils range from 25 to 30 tons/hectare/year. The efficiency of cattail as a solar energy collector is due to its canopy architecture, perennial habit, temperature tolerance and the fact that it normally is not limited by the availability of H/sub 2/O. Current work focuses on the feasibility of establishing extensive stands of cattail on Minnesota peatlands. Economic considerations and environmental constraints are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis (USA). Dept. of Botany
- OSTI ID:
- 5264784
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-800142-1
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Institute of gas technology symposium, Orlando, FL, USA, Jan 1980
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
BIOMASS
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
ECONOMICS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
MARSHES
MINNESOTA
PLANT GROWTH
SWAMPS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
GREAT LAKES REGION
GROWTH
NORTH AMERICA
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
USA
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)