The environmental costs and bene®ts of producing bioenergy crops can be measured both in terms of the relative eects on soil, water and wildlife habitat quality of replacing alternate cropping systems with the designated bioenergy system, and in terms of the quality and amount of energy that is produced per unit of energy expended. While many forms of herbaceous and woody energy crops will likely contribute to future biofuels systems, The Department of Energy's Bioenegy Feedstock Develop- ment Program (BFDP), has chosen to focus its primary herbaceous crops research emphasis on a per- ennial grass species, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The choice of switchgrass as a model bioenergy species was based on its high yields, high nutrient [...]
