PROSSER- Switchgrass, one of the newest options for biofuels production, will be the focus of a daylong workshop at 9 a.m. Wednesday Dec. 8 at WSU’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser.
Researchers Steve Fransen and Hal Collins will demonstrate the grass’s potential as an alternate energy source at the workshop. They have found switchgrass relatively efficient to grow and also have looked at its energy conversion characteristics, adaptability, and high crop yields.
Since 2002, scientists at IAREC have conducted numerous studies on 25 acres of planted switchgrass being grown in four locations in the Columbia Basin and Yakima Valley.
The workshop will provide information to potential growers, agricultural advisers and anyone interested in cellulosic biofuel.
Registration is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required for this workshop, and can be accessed at http://www.css.wsu.edu/registration/switchgrass_2010.html.