Production potential of biomass feedstocks. Final report. [Saltbush, Johnsongrass, Kochia, Mesquite]

Technical Report · Wed Aug 31 04:00:00 EDT 1983

OSTI ID:5695406

Goodin, J R; Newton, R J

This final report summarizes biomass research on unconventional plants utilizing the concept that semi-arid lands may be advantageous and unique for biomass production because there would be little competition for irrigation water and land areas traditionally used for food and fiber production. The objectives are to: (1) evaluate the establishment and productivity potential of plant species in west Texas as influenced by rainfall, temperature and minimum cultural practices; and (2) accurately assess the present distribution and acreages inhabited by the four candidates in west Texas as well as the soil, geographical and climatic factors which govern their adaptation; and (3) provide productivity data in order to make adequate economic and sociological assessments of biomass production in west Texas. Seedlings of four biomass plant species originally screened from 2900 potential species have been established in a greenhouse and transplants of saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), kochia (Kochia scoparia), and mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) have been planted at Brady, Big Lake, El Paso and Lubbock. Saltbush seedlings have also been established at Pecos. 35 references, 12 figures, 21 tables.

• Research Organization: Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock (USA); Texas A and M Univ., College Station (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5695406
• Report Number(s): TENRAC/EDF-112; ON: DE84900408
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ARID LANDS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
CULTIVATION
DATA
FEDERAL REGION VI
GROWTH
INFORMATION
IRRIGATION
LAND USE
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL DATA
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
STATISTICAL DATA
TEXAS
USA