The University of Tennessee (UT) has published a how-to guide on
growing switchgrass for ethanol fuel in an effort to educate
growers and consumers The University of Tennessee (UT) has
published a how-to guide on growing switchgrass for ethanol fuel
in an effort to educate growers and consumers. The four-page
extension fact sheet, (SP701-A) is called Growing And Harvesting
Switchgrass For Ethanol Production In Tennessee. It is part of a
state-sponsored UT Biofuels Initiative, according to Delta Farm
Press. The initiative aims to construct and operate a 5-million-
gallon/year cellulosic ethanol facility in East Tennessee that
will rely on a constant supply of plant material to produce
ethanol. Scientists at UT say switchgrass, a warm-season grass
native to Tennessee, will be the primary feedstock for the
facility. At maximum production capacity, the facility will need
to be supplied with 170 tons of switchgrass per day. Another
fact sheet, called Biofuels 101, is also available here.