Winning Posters from the 2007 Research Colloquium
Technical posters
Assessment of Sustainable Biomass Removal: Soil Sampling, Field-and Regional-Scale Modeling
Amy Swan, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Colorado State University
Keith Paustian, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University
John Brenner, NRCS, USDA
Karolien Denef, University of Ghent, Ghent Belgium
Catherine Stewart, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Colorado State University
Abstract:
Concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and energy security has spurred interest in Biofuels. Utilization of crop biomass for production of cellulosic ethanol may provide a renewable energy source for consumers and a new revenue source for farmers. While there are many benefits of biomass, utilization, removal of biomass could reduce soil quality and agricultural sustainability. Crop residues protect topsoil from erosion, help maintain soil organic matter, reduce soil moisture loss, and improve soil tilth. We propose that there is an optimal rate of biomass removal based on soil conditions and agricultural management that meets the needs of ethanol production, but will not compromise soil quality. We evaluated biomass removal scenarios using field sampling, field-scale modeling and regional modeling for the area surrounding Imperial, NE. We collected baseline soil samples from farms near Imperial before biomass removal treatments began and will monitor changes in coil carbon over time. Baseline coil samples and farm management information were used to model scenarios of biomass removal at the field-scale. Results show that 4-060% removal will sustain soil organic carbon levels under conventional management and that a switch to no-till may even increase soil organic carbon. Preliminary regional analyses show that at 40-60% removal, roughly 1.7 to 2.6 million tons of corn stover could be harvested for ethanol production in the region around Imperial, NE. Further analysis will examine variability in biomass production by soil types and cropland management practices, as well as determine effects on soil carbon for this region.
Algal Biodiesel Production Plant
Ryan Dailey, Alexander Israel, Timothy Miller, Ronald Mitchell, Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Senior Design Project, Colorado State University
Abstract
Reducing the reliance of the United States on imported fossil fuels is of primary concern for the future. Two-thirds of the oil consumed in the U.S. is imported, and that number will continue to rise unless reasonably priced, domestically produced alternatives can be produced. One of the potential feed stocks for bio-fuels is algae found at fossil fuel fired power plants. These algae can potentially be grown in a contained environment with minimal water loss, while reducing the overall carbon dioxide output of modernization. If correctly managed, an algae farm would use less water and should result in higher yields than conventional agriculture. The produced bio-diesel could be used to supplement current diesel fuels at 5%, 20%, or event 50% levels. At a production rate of 100 million gallons a year, and a slae price of roughly two dollars a gallon, the plant has a potential to produce over $200 million in sales per year. The estimated total capital investment is $20.4 million. Combined with the estimated yearly expenses of $87 million, the plant would break even on its investment after a year of running at only 60% capacity. At current prices, this provides the capability to spend $70 million per year on algae production related to feed stock optimization. The demand for cleaner, cheaper, and eco-friendly fuels will only continue to increase.
Art posters
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Deanne Moulton
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Environmentally Friendly
LaTonya Frank
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Biofuel Gauge
Nichole Mulder
