PCWL Field Demonstration Study

The purpose of this timed field study is to collect data on the sustainable establishment of native perennial grasses for biofuel production, and collect data on the sustainable establishment of native local ecotype grasses and forbs. As project partners in Productive Conservation, the Forbords will establish and maintain native perennial plants on 40 acres of farmland that was planted to soybeans in 2007 on their 480 acre farm in West Central Minnesota.

The research trial will compare inputs, costs, yields, quality and sustainability of grasses, and grasses with forbs, under various agronomic treatments. The Forbords will keep a photo journal to document progress and demonstrate comparative results throughout two growing season.

The Forbords will assess and test the feasibility of marketing the grass harvest to each of 3 local emerging biomass markets: University of Minnesota-Morris, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Cooperative, and Fibrominn. Additionally, the local ecotype plot and adjacent native prairie will be hand harvested for seed, and markets sought to test the feasibility and income potential of selling local ecotype seed.

With the help of a project consultant team, the Forbords will plan, publicize and host four on-farm research plot demonstration tours in 2008 and 2009. The project team will serve as advisors, problem solvers, and assist with dissemination of results.