What is biomass? In its most simple form, biomass can be thought of as plant parts. And actually any plant parts. It can be wood, corn or soybean stover, sawdust, algae, switch grass, a diverse mix of prairie plants or countless other things. Essentially, biomass is the energy from the sun that has been captured and stored in plant cells of any kind. This is stored energy that can be transformed into heat, electricity or ethanol. Why prairie biomass? As the energy needs of the world continue to grow, alternative sources need to be found. Renewable energy, like solar and wind, are particularly clean and attractive. Prairie biomass is also renewable, clean and holds a lot of energy. At PRI we believe that it has the potential to supply a significant part of the world’s energy needs. "Prairie biomass is particularly valuable for several reasons. First, it holds a lot of energy. Unlike a monocrop, such as switch grass, a planting of mixed prairie has more species to capture and store energy". The diversity of species provides a more complete use of soil nutrients, moisture and light to create a higher quality, energy rich biomass. A second important value is that prairie can be grown on more marginal soils with a minimum of inputs. It should not reduce the availability of higher quality cropland and can become a valuable cash crop for soils of lower fertility or on steeper slopes. Planted only once, it can produce biomass for many decades and will provide extra income from your land. It can be harvested and baled or pelletized for a variety of end users—electronic generators, cellulostic ethanol producers and home heating are just some examples but there are many others. 
How can I proceed? As with any new technology, there are details to be worked out. Harvesting, handling, markets, storage and other procedures will all fall into place during the next year or two. Right now, there are many opportunities to be on the cutting edge of this emerging biomass industry. But growing the biomass is the first and most important step. Realistically, a minimum of 10 acres should be planted and areas of 50 to 100 acres or more would make even better sense. To get the process started, you would ideally have one of our professionals visit your site and define the necessary procedures and appropriate seed mixes. Planting can be done at any time during the growing season and your first harvest of biomass will normally take place at the end of the first complete summer. It is important to plan ahead for this. Seed and planting services will need to be scheduled. Contact any of the following PRI staff for more information.
Biomass Video
Below are links to information we hope will help you to futher understand the emerging biomass industry.
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