2nd UF Water Institute Symposium Abstract

   
Submitter's Name John Erickson
Session Name Poster Session: Managing Water and Energy in a Transitioning Environment 2
Category Managing water and energy in a transitioning environment
Poster Number 308
 
Author(s) John Erickson,  University of Florida
  Lynn Sollenberger,  University of Florida
  Jeffrey Fedenko, University of Florida
  Arkorn Soikaew, Uniiversity of Florida
   
  Water Use of Potential Tall Grass Biofuel Crops in Florida
   
  The U.S. Government has set a goal of producing 21 billion gallons of liquid fuels from cellulosic feedstocks by 2022. Due to its favorable climate, the southeastern U.S. is expected to be the epicenter of cellulosic feedstock production. However, the implications of biofuel crop production for water resources in the region are not well understood. In the present study we collected data on water use, crop yields and crop water use efficiencies for three tall grass species grown in North Central Florida. First year results showed that water use during the peak growing season was comparable for energycane and giant reed (7-8 mm/day), both of which were greater than elephantgrass (4-5 mm/day). However, yields for giant reed were generally less than those of either elephantgrass or energycane. These results indicated that selection of crop species will not only affect yield potential, but may also affect water resources in the southeastern U.S. Ongoing work is focused on water use and yield data of mature stands, as well as crop responses to variable climate conditions.