Project Description

Switchgrass once grew abundantly in the soils of southern Iowa’s rolling hills simply because the two were well suited. This natural companionship, along with the excellent burn qualities of switchgrass, created interest in the potential of growing the plant on marginal land as an alternative energy crop.

Evaluating this possibility is the Chariton Valley Biomass Project, which is coordinated by the Chariton Valley RC&D, in Centerville. Rathbun Lake is located in the middle of the project area, which includes the counties of Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe, and Wayne. The goal is to eventually use the switchgrass as a fuel to replace a portion of the coal burned at Alliant Power’s (formerly IES Utilities) Ottumwa generating station.

In addition to the fuel possibilities, Prairie Lands Bio-Products, Inc., a group of 50 switchgrass producers formed through the project, is leading efforts to develop products and markets derived from the plant, such as paper, fiberboard, mulch, and logs. Prairie Lands members meet on a monthly basis to discuss harvest and handling, transportation, and the latest developments in product development. The group elects a board of directors, and is headed this year by President Ed Robinson; first Vice-President, John Sellers; second Vice-President, Don Clark; Secretary, Jim Schweizer; and Treasurer, Loren Eddy. Prairie Lands, is one of more than a dozen private agencies and public organizations participating in the project.

Prairie Lands member, Jim Hall found a market for the switchgrass he was growing on 180 acres of rolling hills. His CRP contract was about to expire and he had to decide whether to convert back to row crop or find a profitable use for the switchgrass. He teamed up with Jim Leer of Leer Tiling and Construction in Keswick, Iowa and sold his straw to Leer for $45 per ton for use as mulch on a highway construction site near Eddyville.

An acre of switchgrass produces around three and a half tons per acre. The straw was applied according to Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations regarding native grasses, which is two tons per acre.

Funding was awarded through a USDA grant to study the feasibility of producing and marketing switchgrass products. Objectives of the study are to identify production costs as well as compare costs with competitors.

In addition to the benefits of growing switchgrass as an alternative fuel, the plant has positive environmental qualities. Its massive root system filters pesticides and herbicides, which protects water supplies. Lee Burris Iowa State University (ISU) soil scientist, along with the assistance of three ISU graduate students, are conducting a study on how to best manage the native grass for maximum benefits to the environment, which are improved quality of soil, water, and air.

A wildlife impact study will compare harvesting techniques and their affect on wildlife and their habitat. Comparisons will be made between fields that have been fully harvested, half harvested, and not harvested at all. Harvesting will be completed by Vermeer Manufacturing Company and John Deere Works.

Since a majority of the switchgrass acres in the Chariton Valley Biomass Project are enrolled in CRP, maintaining the goal of wildlife protection is a concern. Marty Braster, Project coordinator for the project says the switchgrass management goal is to have minimal or no effect on wildlife when harvesting. Funding for the wildlife impact study is provided through the Iowa State University Animal Ecology Department and Iowa DNR Resources Bureau.

The project will also look at the economic benefits of growing switchgrass. An economic study conducted by Mike Duffy, Iowa State University economist, will evaluate the potential of switchgrass as a profitable alternative to row crop.

The project has gained the attention and support of elected officials. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley last summer visited with area producers and various agency representatives during a luncheon at the Chariton Valley RC&D. Grassley’s visit adds to the legislative support pledged by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, during a visit to Centerville in the Fall of 1997 with Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman, and Congressman, Leonard Boswell.

Signs, which identify participating land owners’ switchgrass fields within the project, have begun to be installed. Look for more signs to be installed this spring.

Chariton Valley Biomass Project participants include the following: Alliant Power; Chariton Valley RC&D, Inc.; Energy Research Corporation; Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Soil and Water Conservative Districts; Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Iowa Energy Center; Iowa State University; John Deere Works; Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Prairie Lands Bio-Products, Inc.; R.W. Beck; US Department of Agriculture; US Department of Energy; and Vermeer Manufacturing Company.