Energy Crops for Gasification

Examples of high yield energy crops:
Hybrid Poplar
Switch Grass
Miscanthus Gigantus
Hemp
Willow

The leading criteria for selecting biomass energy crops is tons per acre. Also to be considered are energy input, BTU value, ash formation and nitrogen content as well as moisture content when harvested.

The Benfits:
- Crops like switch grass actually deposit nitrogen into the soil, making it healthier.
- Energy crops can act as buffer zones that filter excess nitrogen from water runoff before it reaches lakes and rivers.
- Energy crops can usually be harvested with existing equipment.
- Energy crops are carbon neutral.

Potential Drawbacks:
- Energy crops get planted in place of food crops, causing food shortages.
- Distance of biomass from point of use is too far.
- Low BTU or high ash content.