This past week we have learned about the miscanthus plant roll it can play as a biomass fuel source. The University of Iowa has a biomass power plant which they plan to be running coal-free by 2025. They use a lot of oat hulls as a biomass fuel source. Now they are working with Iowa State University and Aggrow Tech to get this perineal grass added to the Iowa landscape as a home-grown fuel source.
Audio: Full Interview with Emily Heaton of ISU Extension
Emily Heaton is with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. She tells us first how the miscanthus plant can fit into the Iowa agriculture landscape. Iowa used to be dominated by the tallgrass prairie, which made the land rich for agriculture production.
Heaton says the miscanthus plant can do much of what the native tallgrass prairies did for the soil in Iowa. It also provides a habitat for wildlife as well. It is a great way to get these benefits from a plant which can also be a cash crop.
Miscanthus fits in with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy as well. It falls under the category of ?Perineal Bioenergy Crops.?
Heaton says she is seeing farmers be more willing to embrace changes in the status quo of farming. They are realizing they need to find more ways to diversify and protect the quality of their land if they are going to continue to be successful in the future.
Heaton says there are still things we are learning about the miscanthus plant to make it an effective crop in Iowa. Once that happens, we will see the market develop beyond the fuel pellets at the University of Iowa.
We may only be a few years removed from seeing this plant showing up more and more on the Iowa landscape.
