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SEP Special Project, Texas, 2003
Most of the non-arable lands (i.e., rangelands) in north-central Texas are now infested by woody plants that cause economic hardships for agricultural producers by reducing forage production for livestock and reducing off-site water yield for urban consumption. Habitat diversity becomes threatened as woody plant density increases to closed-canopy thickets. Treating woody plants to offset their negative effects is costly and seldom economically feasible.
Specific objectives of this research are to (1) refine existing technology for harvesting, baling and loading mesquite biomass, (2) quantify costs associated with harvesting and baling mesquite by determining harvest costs in different density stands and by determining length of time needed before harvest of mesquite regrowth is economical, (3) determine the potential of mesquite wood for conversion to ethanol using Pearson Technology, and (4) enhance cost-share applications through outreach and information transfer to consumers, farmers and industry. Industry representatives BioStar, Inc., Justice Enterprises and Pearson Technology, Inc., are working in cooperation with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station to address these objectives. In addition, two local ranches, the W.T. Waggoner Estate and the Triangle Ranch, have offered their property as test sites for harvesting and mesquite regrowth trials.
Mesquite biomass could be used for a variety of energy products, including ethanol, as feedstock for small wood-fired power plants or possibly green diesel. Initial projections indicate that the mesquite biomass source is abundant in the north Texas region and could easily supply several 5-megawatt wood-fired generators. In addition, mesquite biomass is renewable because it sprouts vigorously following harvest without the use of additional fertilizers or costs for cultivation. Reducing mesquite competition with grasses after biomass harvesting should improve ranching enterprises through increased forage supply and water yield. Strategic reduction of brush in patterns will also enhance wildlife habitat and increase income from recreational and hunting opportunities.
Potential benefits from this project include:
- Development of a new industry for an economically depressed region,
- Improvement of rangelands for other uses including grazing, water yield and wildlife/recreation as a result of reductions in woody plant competition,
- Decreased dependence on fossil fuels.
Topics
Biomass Power
DOE Funding
Biomass Program
$74,842
Contact Texas's State Energy Office for more information.
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