Switchgrass Growing in Biofuel Debate

Switchgrass is a perennial plant native to North American prairies. Its durability and rapid growth has pushed it to the forefront of the biofuel debate, reports KETV7.

According to KETV7, some researchers said grass can produce ethanol at four to five times the efficiency of corn. However, other researchers note that the conversion process may use more energy than it produces.

Despite that, they believe the plant could be a big component in the nation's future.

"We're actually targeting switchgrass that will not be irrigated and grown in marginal crop land," said University of Nebraska geneticist Ken Vogel. "So we don't see switchgrass replacing corn," he said.

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