Reclaiming Strip Mine Fields for Biofuel Crop Production

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University are returning life to damaged lands with a crop that can be a source of sustainable fuel and put to other agricultural purposes. By planting switchgrass into former strip mines, the researchers will reclaim soil health and create a crop that can be used to create ethanol, fuel pellets, livestock feed, animal bedding, mulch, and more.

NIFA originally published this impact in the NIFA 2017 Annual Report. Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.

Topic

Natural Resources,

Soil,

Crop Production,

Natural Resource Economics,

Farming and Ranching,

Farmer Education,

Sustainable Agriculture,

Agriculture Technology,

Advanced Technologies,

Bioenergy

Farm Bill Priority Areas