Switchgrass—A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy

The demand for renewable energies from biomass is growing steadily as policies are enacted to encourage such development and as industry increasingly sees an opportunity to develop bio-energy enterprises. Recent policy changes in the EU, USA and other countries are spurring interest in the cultivation of energy crops such as switchgrass. Switchgrass has gained and early lead in the race to find a biomass feedstock for energy production (and for the almost requisite need for bio-based products from such feedstocks). Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy provides a comprehensive guide to the biology, physiology, breeding, culture and conversion of switchgrass as well as highlighting various environmental, economic and social benefits.Considering this potential energy source, Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy brings together chapters from a range of experts in the field, including a foreword from Kenneth P. Vogel, to collect and present the environmental benefits and characteristics of this a crop with the potential to mitigate the risks of global warming by replacing fossil fuels. Including clear figures and tables to support discussions, Switchgrass: A Valuable Biomass Crop for Energy provides a solid reference for anyone with interest or investment in the development of bioenergy; researchers, policy makers and stakeholders will find this a key resource.

Andrea Monti is Assistant Professor in Crop Science at the University of Bologna, Italy. He received his PhD in Crop Science from the University of Bologna, Italy, in 2002.Authors by Chapter:Foreword. Kenneth P VogelChapter 1.David J. Parrish, Michael D. Casler and Andrea MontiChapter 2. Michael D. CaslerChapter 3. Walter Zegada-Lizarazu, Stan D. Wullschleger, S. Surendran Nair and Andrea MontiChapter 4. Matt A. Sanderson, Marty Schmer, Vance Owens, Pat Keyser and Wolter ElbersenChapter 5. Rob Mitchell and Marty SchmerChapter 6. R. Howard Skinner, Walter Zegada-Lizarazu and John P. SchmidtChapter 7. Venkatesh Balan, Sandeep Kumar, Bryan Bals, Shishir Chundawat, Mingjie Jin and Bruce DaleChapter 8. Anthony Turhollow and Francis Epplin