Northeast Woody/ Warm-Season Biomass Consortium Quarterly and Annual Reports... · The Northeast Woody/Warm-Season Biomass Consortium: Building Sustainable Value Chains for Biomass

Northeast Woody/

Warm-Season Biomass

Consortium

Quarterly Progress Report July 1, 2014 – September 30, 2014

Submitted

October 29, 2014

www.newbio.psu.edu

The Northeast Woody/Warm-Season Biomass Consortium: Building Sustainable Value Chains for Biomass Energy

NEWBio Quarterly Report: August 2014 – September 2014 i

NEWBio is led by The Pennsylvania State University, supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative

Competitive Grant No. 2012-68005-19703 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.


NEWBio Quarterly Report: August 2014 – September 2014 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS Project Administration ........................................................................... 1 Publications and Products ....................................................................... 5 Technical Thrusts 1 Human Systems in the Northeast Regional Bioeconomy .......................... 10 2 Feedstock Improvement for Perennial Energy Crops .............................. 12 3 Harvest, Preprocessing, & Logistics of Integrated Biomass Supply Chains ..... 26 Integrative Thrusts 4 System Performance & Sustainability Metrics ...................................... 32 5 Safety & Health in Biomass Feedstock Production & Processing Operations... 39 6 Extension ................................................................................. 42 7 Education ................................................................................ 49 8 Leadership, Stakeholder Involvement, Knowledge-to-Action (K2A), & Program

Evaluation ................................................................................ 52 Appendices A. NEWBio Task List and Timeline ....................................................... 55 B. NEWBio Seed Grant Reporting ........................................................ 58

a. Soil Microbial Community Analysis ............................................ 58 b. Establishment of West Virginia Demonstration Sites ....................... 60


NEWBio Quarterly Report: August 2014 – September 2014 iii

Notice This report was prepared by Penn State University and NEWBio research, extension and education partners from Cornell University, Delaware State University, Drexel University, Ohio State University, Rutgers University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, University of Maine, University of Vermont, West Virginia University, USDA Eastern Regional Research Center, US DOE Idaho National Laboratory and US DOE Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This work was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant No. 2012-68005-19703 from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (“USDA-NIFA”).


NEWBio Quarterly Report: August 2014 – September 2014 1

PROJECT ADMINISTRATION Project Organization and Governance Project Director Tom Richard continues to lead the overall NEWBio effort, assisted by Associate Director Timothy Volk and Executive Committee members Larry Smart and Jingxin Wang. The committee is supported by Project Manager Barbara Kinne, who coordinates the day-to-day administrative operations.

• Project Progress Each thrust continues to show satisfactory progress in meeting task objectives and schedules.

• Advisory Board Members of the Advisory Board attended the Annual Meeting on July 31-August 1, 2014. Board Chair Ann Swanson (Chesapeake Bay Commission) was joined by Calvin Ernst (Ernst Conservation/Ernst Biomass), John Posselius (CNH), and Dennis Rak (Double A Willow). USDA NIFA Program Leader William Goldner joined board members on the panel for a two-hour stakeholder discussion on Barriers to Bioenergy Scale-Up in the Northeast to start the meeting. The session ended with feedback from the panelists on how and where to direct NEWBio efforts in the next two to three years:

○ Support commercialization: Biofuels challenges will continue, and it is going to be important to have alternate markets to get appropriate volumes of feedstocks into the ground;

○ Consistent federal policy and integrated environmental and economic analyses are important to stakeholders - thermal conversion partners, farmers, landowners, and ultimately, refineries. The benefits of willow and switchgrass need to be quantified, not just in terms of bioenergy, but in terms of sustainable agriculture, too.

○ Build relationships with industrial partners who have an interest in siting facilities in the Northeast, work with the Chesapeake Bay Commission, integrate bioenergy into communities with impacts that will be beneficial to rural communities and ecosystem services.

The Advisory Board also convened with the NEWBio Executive Committee (Richard, Volk, Smart, Wang, Kinne), the USDA NIFA Program Leader (Goldner), and the project’s external evaluation team (Leahy and Lindenfeld). The Advisory Board provided key recommendations in a report out to the team, with recommendations that supported the earlier stakeholder panel discussion:



○ Economic information will be critical for moving the project forward. Consider a prospectus format for information delivery by Year Four. Extension is asking for information to provide to the public. Focus on getting reasonable estimations or ranges of costs and potentials so that Extension interactions can pull in those adopters.

○ Consider conceptual training for farmers to think about making the difficult transition from food farming to bioenergy/biomass product farming;

○ More aggressive outreach is needed with regional organizations and potential large end users; What will help everyone in the value chain make a profit?

○ Keep the excitement growing, and keep NEWBio’s mission and overall objectives front and center with the project team. (See Table 1.)

• Communications and Collaboration

Monthly meetings remain the primary means of sharing results and updating project team members. The Executive Committee, Leadership Team, and thrust teams typically hold monthly teleconferences. The Annual Meeting provided valuable time for cross-thrust interactions, with 75 team members in attendance. NEWBio published three eNEWS issues this quarter, with feature stories on recent research publications, upcoming events, and funding announcements.

• Financial Matters NEWBio submitted its Year Three funding application on May 30 and the annual electronic REEport in support of the application on June 23. We were notified of our award notification on August 7, with subsequent notification to Penn State and our partnering institutions of their awards on August 15 and 20, respectively.

• Seed Grants NEWBio awarded seed grants in each of the first two performance years. As reports on the results of these grants become available, they will be included as appendices in our quarterly reporting. We include these two reports in Appendix B:

○ Year One $6,007 for a Feedstock project to conduct a Soil Microbial Community Analysis of Willow Trials on mine lands in WV and PA. From the report: The data collected in this study (along with the Grushecky et al. mine land site establishment project), will make possible comprehensive comparisons across NEWBio to determine all of the crucial components of the environment and treatments affecting SRWC establishment and yields.

○ Year One grant $10,000 for a Feedstock project with connections to Human Systems, Sustainability, and Extension: Establishment of willow demonstration trials on mine lands in West Virginia. From the report: This



project established research/demonstration sites in W. This seed grant broadened the impact of the NEWBio program by providing information on the potential for sustainable willow biomass production on reclaimed mine land, of which over 700,000 acres are in the NEWBio region. If successful, the potential for economic returns from this reclaimed landscape will encourage adoption by commercial partners. Soil health testing, complemented by microbial metagenomics being conducted by John Carlson (at Penn State), will strengthen our long-term monitoring of changes in soil properties and improve willow and switchgrass yield modeling.



Table 1.

NEWBIO OBJECTIVES: Progress Toward Outcomes

Stak

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Enga

gem

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Econ

omic

An

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Educ

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Feed

stoc

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Deci

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ems

I. Understand the values, legacies, and motivations that drive perceptions and decisions about land management and business development for biomass energy systems.

II. Generate price-supply curves, facility siting and forward contracting tools to provide entrepreneur and investor confidence in biomass feedstock supply.

III. Develop and deploy as industry standards sustainable production practices for perennial grasses and short rotation woody crops to improve yield 25% and reduce costs by 20%.

IV. Commercialize the current pipeline of improved willow (Salix spp) and switchgrass varieties and develop genomic tools to accelerate breeding for marginal land.

V. Develop harvest, transport, storage and preprocessing systems that increase feedstock value as biomass moves through the supply chain toward advanced biofuel refineries.

VI. Create a culture of safety in the biomass production, transport and preprocessing sectors that addresses machinery hazards and environmental risks to protect workers.

VII. Transform standards of practice for biomass value chains to greatly improve carbon paybacks, net energy yields, soil and water quality, and other ecosystem services.

VIII. Deploy safe, efficient and integrated supply chains in four demonstration regions, each providing 500 to 1000 tons/day of high-quality low-cost sustainable biomass.

IX. Create learning communities of farmers, entrepreneurs, employees and investors informed about the best practices and emerging technologies in their bioenergy interest areas.

X. Provide business support services to generate at least 100 supply contracts and support over 50 new supply chain businesses to harvest, transport and preprocess biomass from SRWC & grasses.

XI. Educate students, citizens, landowners and policymakers to increase public understanding of biomass alternatives, including the social, economic, and environmental impacts of sustainable bioenergy systems in the Northeast.

XII. Create a culture of opportunity to support corporate commitments for two commercial-scale advanced biofuels facilities and encourage many more such commitments in the Northeast.



PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTS This listing covers those publications and products not previously reported in NEWBio’s Annual Report (submitted on September 30, 2014). Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles Eisenbies, M., T. Volk, J. Posselius, S. Shi, and A. Patel. 2014. Quality and variability of commercial-scale short rotation willow biomass harvested using a single-pass cut-and-chip forage harvester. BioEnergy Research. DOI: 10.1007/s12155-014-9540-7. Nguyen, L., K.G. Cafferty, E.M. Searcy, S. Spatari. Uncertainties in Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Advanced Biomass Feedstock Logistics Supply Chains in Kansas. Energies. Accepted for publication. Serapiglia, M.J., F.E. Gouker, J.F. Hart, F. Unda, S.D. Mansfield, A.J. Stipanovic, and L.B. Smart. 2014. Ploidy level affects important biomass traits of novel shrub willow (Salix) hybrids. BioEnerg. Res. DOI: 10.1007/s12155-014-9521-x. Skousen, J., C. Brown, T. Griggs, and S. Byrd. 2014. Establishment and growth of switchgrass and other biomass crops on surface mines. J. Am. Soc. Mining and Reclamation 3(1): 136-156. http://www.asmr.us/Publications/Journal/Vol%203%20Issue%201/Skousen-WV-2.pdf Conference Presentations Burchell, J., and D. Ciolkosz. Characteristics of Raw and Torrefied Red Maple. NEWBio Annual Meeting, July 31-August 1, 2014. Geneva, NY. Cangiano, M.L., F.R. Montes, K. Dennison, T.L. Richard and A.R. Kemanian. 2014. Comparative Carbon Dioxide Exchange and Water Use of Shrub Willow and Maize. Poster presented at NEWBio All-Hands Meeting, Aug. 31, Geneva, NY. DiFazio, S.P., R. Zhou, H. Tang, E. Rodgers-Melnick, L. Evans, F. Gouker, C. Carlson, V. Krishnakumar, C. Town, and L. B. Smart. The power of comparative genomics in the Salicaceae: The case of sex determination. Aberystwyth University, September 18, 2014. Aberystwyth, UK. Invited oral presentation. DiFazio, S.P., R. Zhou, H. Tang, E. Rodgers-Melnick, L. Evans, F. Gouker, C. Carlson, V. Krishnakumar, C. Town, and L. B. Smart. The power of comparative genomics in the Salicaceae: The case of sex determination. Rothamsted Research, September 26, 2014. Harpenden, UK. Invited oral presentation.



Skousen, J. Growth of biofuel crops on mined lands. American Society of Mining and Reclamation Meeting, June 18, 2014. Oklahoma City, OK. Eisenbies, M.H., T.A. Volk, J. Posselius, C. Foster , and S. Shi. 2014. Effect of willow cultivar attirbutes on chip quality and the performance of a New Holland short rotation woody crops harvesting system. International Poplar Symposium VI, July 21-13, 2014. Vancouver, BC. Fabio, E. S., F.E. Gouker, A.R. Kemanian, F. Montes, J.E. Carlson, R.O. Miller, T.A. Volk, J.R. Herr, and L. B. Smart. Variation in first-year biomass growth and wood composition among 23 shrub willow genotypes across a range of environments. International Poplar Symposium VI, July 21-23, 2014, Vancouver, BC. Poster presentation. Fabio, E. S., S. Reiners, M.R. Ryan, and L. B. Smart. Sustainable shrub willow establishment using fall-seeded cover crops for weed and nutrient management. 10th Biennial Short Rotation Woody Crops Operations Working Group Meeting, July 17-19, 2014, Seattle, WA. Poster presentation. Gouker, F. E., R. Zhou, L. Evans, S.P. DiFazio, and L. B. Smart. Analysis of Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity of a Salix purpurea Association Mapping Population. International Poplar Symposium VI, July 21-23, 2014, Vancouver, BC. Poster presentation. Heavey, J. Commercial production and harvesting of shrub willow crops in New York State. 10th Biennial Short Rotation Woody Crop Operations Working Group, Woody Crops: Production Alternatives for Multiple Uses. July 18, 2014. Seattle, WA. Heavey, J. Shrub willow living snow fences show potential for snow trapping and reduced drift length shortly after planting. International Poplar Symposium VI. July 23, 2014. Vancouver, BC. Mann, C., V. Averello, J. Vaiciunas, C. Kubik, L. Beirn, J. Crouch, J. Honig and S.A. Bonos. Identification of SSR markers to study the genetic diversity of Colletotrichum navitas, the causal organism of switchgrass anthracnose. NEWBio Annual Meeting, July 31, 2014. Geneva, NY. Ramcharan, A.M., A.R. Kemanian and T.L. Richards. Can Winter Rye be a Carbon-sink Energy Source and Improve On-field C & N Cycling? Poster presented at NEWBio All-Hands Meeting. Aug. 31, 2014. Geneva, NY. Richard, T. L., M. Jahn and D. Lazaks. Knowledge systems for sustainability: lessons learned from a global community of practice. Annual Meeting, Ecological Society of America. August 13, 2014. Sacramento, CA.



Shi, S., T.A. Volk, M. Eisenbies, L. Abrahamson, S. Karapetyan, A. Lewis, J. Posselius, R. Shuren, B. Stanton, B. Summers, J. Zerpa, C. Foster, M. McArdle. 2014. Crop harvesting using a recently developed single pass cut and chip harvest system. Short Rotation Woody Crops Operations Working Group, July 18, 2014. Seattle, WA. Simsek, E., and D. Ciolkosz. Effects of Torrefaction on Willow. NEWBio Annual Meeting, July 31 - August 01, 2014. Geneva, NY. Smart, L.B., F. E. Gouker, C. H. Carlson, M. J. Serapiglia, C. D. Town, H. Tang, V. Krishnakumar, S. P. DiFazio, E. Rodgers-Melnick, R. Zhou, S. Shu, D. M. Goodstein, K. W. Barry, E. A. Lindquist, J. Schmutz, and G. A. Tuskan. Genomic approaches to improve yield and biofuels conversion efficiency of shrub willow. International Poplar Symposium VI, July 20-24, 2014. Vancouver, BC. Invited oral presentation. Smart, L.B., F. E. Gouker, M. J. Serapiglia, E. S. Fabio, C. H. Carlson, Breeding triploid hybrids of shrub willow with improved yield and biomass composition. Short-Rotation Woody Crops Operation Working Group Biannual Meeting, July 17-19, 2014. Seattle WA. Oral presentation. Volk, T.A., M. Esienbies,, L. Abrahamson, S. Karapetyan, M. McArdle, J. Posselius, S. Shi, R. Shuren, B. Stanton, B. Summers, J. Zerpa. Development of a single pass cut and chip harvest system for short rotation woody crops. Biomass 2014, Bioenergy Technology Office Annual Meeting, July 29-20, 2014. Washington, DC. Wang, J. (2014). Modeling and optimization of biomass harvest and logistics. The University of Georgia, August 15, 2014. Athens, Georgia. Wang, J. and D. Hartley. (2014). Biomass harvest and logistics in the northeastern United States. The 5th Forest Engineering Conference jointly with the 47th International Symposium on Forestry Mechanization, September 23-26, 2014. Gerardmer, France. Other Publications/Presentations Eisenbies, M., T.A. Volk, J. Posselius, C. Foster, R. Shuren, B, Stanton, B. Summers, J. Zerpa. 2014. Status of the development of a New Holland SRWC harvest system. Poplar and Willow News, International Poplar Commission, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Issue No. 3, pp 5-7, August 2014. http://www.fao.org/forestry/ipc/74028/en/ Skousen, J. Post-mining land use development in West Virginia. Linking Innovation, Industry and Commercialization (LIINC) Annual Meeting. September 4, 2014. West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. Poster presentation.

http://www.fao.org/forestry/ipc/74028/en/



Fact Sheets Wurzbacher, S. 2014. Alternate Markets for Dedicated Grass Energy Crops. Penn State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, University Park, PA. Jacobson, M. 2014. Shrub Willow Enterprise Budget. Penn State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, University Park, PA. Volk, T.A. 2014. BCAP Helps Commercialize Shrub Willow for Bioenergy in Northern New York. eXtension. http://www.extension.org/pages/71099/bcap-helps-commercialize-shrub-willow-for-bioenergy-in-northern-new-york#.VEFsqslNclQ eXtension Website Research Summary Smart, L. B. 2014. Triploid Hybrids of Shrub Willow Yield More Biomass Than Diploids and Tetraploids. eXtension. Workshops, Webinars, Field Days, Demonstrations, Symposia, Trainings Empire Farm Days, August 5-7, 2014. Seneca Falls, NY. Table displays with NEWBio materials, Willopedia content, willow videos. Ernst Conservation Seeds Open House, July 19, 2014. Meadville, PA. Table display with NEWBio materials, biomass samples, and Penn State Extension Renewable Energy publications. Extension Energy and Environment Summit. September 25, 2014. University of Iowa, Ames, IA. NEWBio presentations to 30 participants:

○ Hawkins, S. The use of eXtension networks: NEWBio’s extension model. ○ Marrison, D. Miscanthus activities in NEWBio’s extension work. ○ Wurzbacher, S. The role of demonstration sites in NEWBio’s extension model

Farm Energy Day. September 9, 2014. Montgomery County, PA. Table display with NEWBio materials, biomass samples, and Penn State Extension Renewable Energy publications. Multiple presentations to 60 participants:

○ Boateng, A.K. On-farm demonstration of mobile pyrolysis unit. ○ Jacobson, M. G. Short rotation woody crops for biomass applications and NEWBio

activities surrounding this subject, and perennial grass crops for biomass applications and NEWBio activities surrounding this subject.

○ Wurzbacher, S. Alternative and supplementary markets accessible to an individual producer for biomass crops.

Grushecky, S. Field tour to promote a variety of income-producing opportunities for landowners of reclaimed mine land, including biomass, showcasing NEWBio development of perennial crops on mine lands at Alton, WV site. July 31, 2014. 12 participants. National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Program. September 23, 2014. Columbus, OH. 100 participants.

○ Skousen, J. Biofuels on reclaimed mined lands in West Virginia. ○ Skousen, J. Tour and presentation of warm-season grass plots at The Wilds.



Penn State Ag Progress Days. Ausut 12-14, 2014. Rock Springs, PA. Table displays with NEWBio materials, biomass samples, and Penn State Extension Renewable Energy publications. Multiple presentations:

○ Ciolkosz, D. Making fuel pellets on the farm. Smart Energy Buying Practices and On-Farm Renewable Energy Program. 10 participants.

○ Jacobson, M. Three separate field tours and presentation on short rotation woody crops for biomass. 60 participants per tour.

○ Johnstonbaugh, E. Pennsylvania alternative energy credit market. Smart Energy Buying Practices and On-Farm Renewable Energy Program. 10 participants.

○ Wurzbacher, S. Alternative and supplementary markets for biomass. Smart Energy Buying Practices and On-Farm Renewable Energy Program. 10 participants.

Perennial Biofeedstock Energy Tour, USDA-NRCS Big Flats Plant Materials Center. July 23, 2014. 100 participants. Presentations by:

○ Wurzbacher, S. New Uses and markets for Bioenergy Crops. Student Career Fair. September 17, 2014. Lewis County, NY. Table display with NEWBio materials and willow information. NEWBio All Hands Teleseminars Burnham, Morey. NEWBio Human Systems Thrust Update: Research Goals and Preliminary Findings. Seminar presented at NEWBio All Hands Teleseminar. September 25, 2014. Ciolkosz, Daniel. NEWBio Education Thrust Update: Results to Date and Future Plans. Seminar presented at NEWBio All Hands Teleseminar. September 25, 2014. Thomchick, E. and S. Wurzbacher. Market Opportunities for Biomass: Multi-Tier Market Reference Framework. NEWBio Bioenergy Webinar, September 16, 2014.

NEWBio willow planting at the Rockview site, near State College, PA.



Thrust 1: Human Systems in the Northeast Regional Bioeconomy Human Systems focuses on understanding the values, legacies, and motivations that drive perceptions and decisions about land management and business development for biomass energy systems. During the project’s first year, the team began to acquire and synthesize socio-economic data and develop a media library on the social acceptability of biomass. During year two, the team a) projected the economic availability of biomass feedstocks in the Northeast with an emphasis on dedicated feedstocks from mined lands and other economically marginal lands, b) completed the media analysis to identify key issues in proximate communities related to the biomass energy industry and state policy analysis related to bioenergy for NY and PA, and c) started interviews with biomass growers and potential growers in NY and PA, and initiated the scoping of communities near demonstration sites to identify key issues and key informants. Task 1.1: Understanding social and economic constraints Task 1.1.1: Economic availability 1. Planned Activities

• Continue to work with Cycles Data for estimating energy crops; • Compare the Cycle’s yield data with PRISM yield data (Oakridge National Laboratory); • Continue working with POLYSYS model by extending year to 2012; • Begin to calculate break even cost for energy and food crops.

2. Accomplishments Wei Jiang, Penn State graduate student, finished soil break-even cost analysis for energy

crops and food crops; Jiang also compared Cycle’s yield and PRISM yield data; Jiang finished 30 soil simulations using Cycles yield model for 3 energy crops and 2 food

crops; Human group refined survey questions for landowners about using marginal lands to

plant energy crops; Jiang presented a poster presentation in July NEWBio annual meeting.

3. Explanation of Variance

Activities and accomplishments are on schedule. No variance to report.

4. Plans for Next Quarter • Work on cluster and factor analysis for grouping soil types; • Continue to revise landowner survey;



• Pretest the survey using Qualtrics. Task 1.1.2: Social Acceptability 1. Planned Activities

• Continue working on media analysis publication; • Begin key informant interviews in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont; • Finish policy database; • Work on literature review (landowner and community perspectives on

bioenergy/biofuels; Energy transitions; hydraulic fracturing in New York); • Identify New York landowners for interviews; • Develop interview guide for landowner interviews in NY; • Develop a sampling protocol for landowner survey to be conducted in New York.

2. Accomplishments Continued working on media analysis publication; Completed 20 key informant interviews in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont; Morey Burnham, SUNY ESF postdoc, finished policy database for New York; Literature review continued; Identified 50 landowners for interviews in New York; Developed questions for the interviews that will be conducted by the Human Systems

group for the purpose of interviewing landowners in New York; Determined counties to be sampled and a sampling protocol for landowner survey.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue key informant interviews in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont; • Refine landowner interview questions; • Begin landowner interviews in New York; • Begin developing protocols for community focus groups in New York and Pennsylvania; • Continue literature review.



Thrust 2: Feedstock Improvement for Perennial Energy Crops Feedstock Improvement will optimize low input perennial feedstock crops (shrub willow and perennial grasses) that research has shown to be the best suited for Northeast climates and marginal soils. Feedstock Improvement’s goal is to deliver plant cultivars with improved performance across the wide range of marginal land types found throughout the Northeast. During the first year of the project, the willow team conducted more than 60 crosses, 27 of which were successful and produced over 4,600 seedling progeny. Switchgrass and willow yield trials and demonstration sites were established in NY, OH, PA and WV. During year two, the team collected measurements of first season growth in yield trials of new willow cultivars that will indicate their yield potential relative to existing commercial cultivars. We also continued to generate novel hybrid willow progeny and establish new trials for trait mapping in willow. Evaluations of a new switchgrass trial informed us about the impact of disease on yield and ongoing surveys of switchgrass breeding nurseries will lead us toward new cultivar selections. Task 2.1: Breeding of non-invasive triploid hybrids of willow displaying hybrid vigor 1. Planned Activities

• Score the three 2012 S. purpurea Association Trials for growth and physiological traits and pest and disease incidence

• Conduct weed management for 2014 Crossing Block and QTL Mapping Trials in Geneva • Maintain all nursery beds with breeding progeny and archival clone collections • Begin analyzing stem segment samples from the 2012 Association Trials for biomass

composition

2. Accomplishments Phenotypic measurements were conducted at the three 2012 Association Trial sites

(Geneva, Portland, West Virginia) for willow biological and physiological traits. This includes monthly height measurements from June through Sept., internode length, diameters, leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, vegetative and floral phenology and pest and disease surveys (Table 1). Most traits had moderate to moderately high heritability. Stem area, internode length and leaf area had the highest heritability within each site. This is the final year of measurements and harvesting will be completed at the end of the season.

The population has been genotyped with GBS, and we are now working on mapping associations.



Table 1. Variance components and broad-sense heritability estimates of eight willow traits from year 1 growth among the three association trial locations.

Stem segment samples from both the Geneva and Portland, NY Association trials have

been analyzed for biomass composition using high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HR-TGA). Analysis of samples from the WVU trial is on-going and should be complete by December.

Periodic weed maintenance was performed in the 2014 Crossing Block and QTL Mapping Trials in Geneva. Competition with invasive weeds was successfully avoided using an IPM strategy initiated with a rye cover crop and followed by minor herbicide field applications including Assure II (Quizalofop P-Ethyl 10 oz ac-1) for annual grass control, spot-spraying with glyphosate, and hand-weeding.

Survival in the 2014 QTL trial was high (>97%) and replant cuttings were planted to replace the few unsuccessful cuttings.

Seedlings grown out from open-pollinated seed from the triploid female ‘Preble’ and improved S. purpurea females in the Geneva Association Trial were planted out in nursery beds in Geneva.

All willow nursery beds in Geneva were maintained periodically with mowing and hand weeding.

3. Explanation of Variance Activities and accomplishments are on schedule. No variance to report.

4. Plans for Next Quarter

• Collect end-of-growing season height and stem diameter measurements as well as stem segments for biomass composition determination at the three 2012 Association Trials and



prepare for harvesting and plot weight measurements this winter at the end of the two-year rotation.

• Implement a new phenotyping protocol that seeks to assess willow crown form by measuring the total stool diameter at 15 cm above ground level, the average cutting height of a harvester.

• Cut back first-year stem growth after dormancy in the 2014 QTL and Crossing Block Trials to promote coppice regrowth in the spring.

• Prepare for first year post-coppice growth measurements in the 2013 Family Selection Trial, including stem diameter and height.

• Complete HR-TGA composition analyses for the WVU Association Trial. • Select and mark any possible genotypes in nursery beds needed for breeding and cutting

production over the winter. Task 2.2: Genetic basis for pest and disease resistance in willow and perennial grasses 1. Planned Activities

• Continue to analyze 2012 leaf images for rust presence on willow. • Complete greenhouse trials for beetle and potato leaf hopper feeding on willow. • Isolate RNA from leaf samples collected from insect feeding studies on willow and begin

library construction for RNA-Seq analysis. • Continue willow pest/disease surveys in all three 2012 Association Trials • Continue willow pest/disease surveys in 2012 Yield Trials in Geneva, NY and Rock

Springs, PA • Continue willow pest/disease surveys in 2013 trial in Fredonia, NY • Continue willow pest/disease surveys in 2013 Family Selection Trial in Geneva, NY • Conduct pest surveys in late June/early July in 2013 switchgrass trials in Ithaca, NY,

Phillipsburg, PA and Freehold, NJ. • Conduct pest surveys in late June/early July in 2013 switchgrass anthracnose trial in

Freehold, NJ • Manage switchgrass trials to reduce weeds

2. Accomplishments Analysis of leaf imagery from the Association trials for rust (Melampsora spp.)

quantification continued over the summer and a data set containing three replicates from each of the 130 genotypes was generated. However the current method is very costly due to the amount of time needed to analyze the images. Consequently a new rust protocol has been developed for quantifying the presence of rust through image analysis with Assess 2.0 software. A total of five leaves per plant per plot are harvested within the



upper third of the plant canopy and an area of 2 mm x 16 mm of each leaf is scanned for image analysis.

Three separate rounds of controlled environment feeding assays were conducted involving three common willow pests, willow leaf beetle, Japanese beetle and potato leafhopper revealing differences among genotypes.

Leaf tissue samples were collected from insect feeding studies at time points of 0, 24, 48, 96, and 120 hours and were frozen in preparation for library construction for RNA-Seq analysis.

Pest surveys in all three 2012 Association Trials were conducted for imported and native willow beetle, Japanese beetle, willow leaf and stem sawflies, and potato leafhopper.

Pest and disease surveys were conducted at least twice over four replicates in the 2014 QTL trial. Traits were scored on a per plot basis (subplot samples receiving equal weight) with attention paid to new canopy growth. A third survey focusing on end-of-season was conducted for the pests Sawfly Larvae and Potato Leafhopper as a result of moderate to high pest incidence and variable clonal response; thus completing pest and disease surveys for the 2014 establishment year.

Pest and disease surveys in the 2012 Yield Trials in Geneva, NY and Rock Springs, PA continued from July to September for Japanese beetle, willow leaf and stem sawflies, and potato leafhopper, as well as rust incidence. The presence of pest and disease damage was generally low and beetles were the most prevalent source of damage and beetle pressure was greater in 2014 compared to 2013 (Figure 1). Cultivars ‘Dimitrios’, ‘Stina’ and ‘Klara’ from Sweden and ‘India’ from Canada are highly susceptible to Japanese beetle, and exhibited the greatest amount of canopy damage. Damage occurring on other cultivars was attributed to willow leaf beetle.

Pest and disease surveys in 2013 Fredonia, NY Amendment Trial were also completed. Damage from willow leaf beetle was the predominant form of pest damage in the trial, and damage tended to be greater in the amended portion of the trial (Figure 2).

A comprehensive pest survey was also conducted in 2013 Family Selection Trial in Geneva, NY in early August.

Anthracnose disease was assessed on 75 breeding lines planted in Freehold, NJ. This included a mapping population segregating for anthracnose resistance.

Anthracnose disease was assessed on 75 breeding lines planted in Phillipsburg, PA. Anthracnose and plant height were also assessed in the replicated cultivar trial with

fungicide treatments in Freehold, NJ. Fungicide reduced disease early in the season.

3. Explanation of Variance Most activities and accomplishments are on schedule.



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4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue to summarize and analyze pest and disease survey data • Scan and analyze 2014 leaf samples for rust quantification in the 2012 Association trials • Isolate RNA from leaf samples collected from insect feeding studies and begin library

construction for RNA-Seq analysis • Present a poster for Agronomy meeting on anthracnose resistance in switchgrass • Give a talk on anthracnose resistance in switchgrass at Rutgers Turfgrass symposium • Submit a fact sheet on anthracnose resistance in switchgrass • Harvest biomass from switchgrass anthracnose trial.

Task 2.3: Breeding and selection of willow and switchgrass cultivars adapted for Northeast conditions

1. Planned Activities

• Monitor willow and switchgrass trials for weed pressure, apply mechanical and/or chemical treatments where necessary.

• Collect additional soil samples to continue the analysis of soil chemistry and DNA sequences for the remaining willow (2014 Mylan Park Yield Trial) and for new switchgrass trials (Cornell-Ithaca and Rutgers). Libraries will be produced and sequenced for the new samples as well as for the remaining soil samples collected in 2013. Large scale metagenomic analyses of the soil DNA sequence data will also continue, with preliminary results to be ready for this year’s annual report.

• Collect performance, insect, disease data on switchgrass trials planted in 2013. • Plant the 2014 switchgrass nursery. • Develop posters for Intl Poplar Symposium, Short-Rotation Woody Crops Meeting, and

NEWBio Annual Meeting in July.

2. Accomplishments Analysis of stem segment samples from the 2012 Yield Trials for biomass

composition by HR-TGA method was complete and the data were presented in a poster at the 2014 International Poplar Symposium. Geneva had the greatest cellulose content (Figure 3), which was correlated with greater growth in the first year post-coppice. Rock Springs had the highest overall ash content (Figure 4), which was correlated with lower growth.

The 2013 Fredonia Amendment Trial was treated with 84 kg ha-1 each of N-P-K as well as 4.5 Mg ha-1 of lime in mid-June. Height measurements on nine select genotypes were taken just prior to and two months after amendments. Over all there was a 15% increase in height in the amended treatment (Figure 5).



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Figure 5. Mean plant height of nine select cultivars in the 2013 Fredonia Amendment Trial in the amended and control plots before

and after amendments were applied.

2. Accomplishments, continued Corresponding samples of the same willow and switchgrass genotypes that were sent

to Michelle Serapiglia and Akwesi Boetang for pyrolysis analysis were milled and analysis for biomass composition by HR-TGA was initiated.

Additional soil samples were collected for the continued analysis of soil chemistry and DNA sequences for the remaining willow (2014 Mylan Park Yield Trial) and for new switchgrass trials (Cornell-Ithaca and Rutgers).

DNA was isolated from all of the Mylan Park, Cornell, and Rutgers soil samples. Soil DNA will be ready to send for sequencing in mid-October. Three posters in total were presented at the Intl Poplar Symposium, Short-Rotation

Woody Crops Meeting, and NEWBio Annual Meeting in July. The 2014 switchgrass nursery in Ithaca NY was planted June 30-July 2. In the 2013 switchgrass nursery in Ithaca, plant height was recorded for each plant

and a vigor score was assigned to each plant, August 28-September 5. The vigor score used was 1=lowest vigor and 10=highest vigor (Figure 6).

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From the Viands’ group, one poster was presented at the 2014 Joint NAAIC, Trifolium, & Grass Breeders Conference, and three posters were presented at the NEWBio Annual Meeting in July.

Plant height and vigor ratings were taken on 75 breeding lines planted in Freehold, NJ. Switchgrass samples sent to Michelle Serapiglia and Akwesi Boetang were analyzed for

pyrolosis characteristics. Results indicate that location played a significant role in ash content, levoglucosan, and benzene, toluene and xylene content.

Figure 6. Switchgrass plants in the 2013 Ithaca nursery 3. Explanation of Variance

Most activities and accomplishments are on schedule. 4. Plans for Next Quarter

• Begin end of season growth measurements and stem segment collection for density and biomass composition analysis in the 2012 Yield Trials.

• Complete sequencing of all soil DNAs collected to date. • Initiate new comparative bioinformatics analyses of soil DNA sequences.



• Begin end of season growth measurements and stem segment collection for density and biomass composition analysis in the 2013 Fredonia Amendment Trial.

• Selected half-sib switchgrass rows will be hand harvested (Cornell and Rutgers). Samples for dry matter and quality analysis will be taken. Samples selected for quality analysis will be ground to be analyzed in the following quarter.

Task 2.4: Breeding and selection of willow and switchgrass yields on reclaimed mine

land 1. Planned Activities

• Monitor 2014 Mylan Park trials for weed pressure.

• Conduct data collection for 2014 on switchgrass plantings to assess disease and insect pressure and plant maturity.

• Continue to monitor vigor and growth of switchgrass nurseries in Philipsburg in July and August.

• Plan for site preparation and replanting of willow trial at Philipsburg, PA.

• Plans for harvesting or rating for yield will be developed in consultation with all switchgrass group members.

2. Accomplishments The 2014 Mylan Park willow trial has

established well and regular weed control has been conducted throughout the growing season. Survival is greater than 90% and growth is vigorous (Figure 7).

A plan was made with Marvin Hall to terminate 2013 Philipsburg, PA Yield Trial and establish a new trial in 2015. Remaining plants were terminated with an application of glyphosate in mid-August. Since the site is low in soil nutrients and highly compacted, it was decided to amend a portion of the site with spent mushroom compost. Compost was delivered and spread across a 96’x144’ area adjacent to an area of equal size that will remain unamended. Each area will be planted in spring 2015 with eight genotypes in a randomized complete block design with four replicates of each treatment combination. The genotypes will be selected based on the best performing genotypes from the 2013 trial and those used in the 2014 Mylan Park Trial.

Figure 7. Willow trial at reclaimed mine in Mylan Park, Morgantown, WV in August, 2014.



On August 26th, notes were taken on the Cornell switchgrass nursery in Philipsburg, PA. An initial conference call took place on Sept. 15th to discuss plans for fall harvest. Plant height, vigor and anthracnose disease was evaluated on 150 switchgrass breeding

lines planted on a reclaimed mine land site in Phillipsburg, PA. Approximately 30 lines were identified with high vigor ratings in both Phillipsburg, PA

and in Freehold, NJ. (Figures 8 and 9). Similarly, approximately 30 lines were identified with high vigor ratings in both

Phillipsburg, PA and in Ithaca, NY. These data will be used to determine lines to harvest in both locations.

Figure 8. Z scores of vigor in NJ and Phillipsburg. Entries in the top right corner had high vigor scores in both NJ and Phillipsburg.



Figure 9. Switchgrass plants at reclaimed mine land in Philipsburg, PA.


Most activities and accomplishments are on schedule.

4. Plans for Next Quarter • Conduct an end of season survival assessment in the 2014 Mylan Park Trial and cut back

the first year growth. • Select the eight genotypes to be used in the 2015 Philipsburg Trial. • PSU, RU, and CU will agree on criteria for row selection. Additional calls on October

6th and 16th are scheduled to coordinate harvesting protocol of Ithaca, Freehold and Phillipsburg sites.

• Selected half-sib switchgrass rows corresponding with those hand-harvested in New York and New Jersey will be hand harvested in Phillipsburg. Samples for dry matter and quality analysis will be taken. Samples selected for quality analysis will be ground to be analyzed in the following quarter.



Thrust 3: Harvest, Preprocessing, and Logistics of Integrated Biomass Supply Chains For perennial crop systems like willow, miscanthus and switchgrass, harvesting and transportation can account for 40 to 60 percent of the delivered cost of biomass. Preprocessing of biomass through drying, size reduction, storage and compaction can increase transportation efficiency, reduce delivered costs, and improve conversion efficiency. During the first year of the project, the team designed willow and switchgrass harvesting protocols and collected time-motion data for various pieces of harvesting equipment, and developed base case models for these feedstock supply chains and models for optimizing biomass harvest and logistics scenarios. Year two efforts included biomass harvest production and cost data analysis, further refinement of the supply chain optimization model, and biomass storage and dry biomass loss testing and analysis. Further tests were conducted on torrefaction, pelletization and pyrolysis. Techno-economic and life cycle analyses were improved through more robust process modeling and data acquisition. Task 3.1: Significantly reduce the harvesting cost per ton of biomass feedstocks from

willow and perennial grasses Task 3.1.1: Optimize the operation of the forage harvester 1. Planned Activities

• Continue to process time motion data from large scale harvests. 2. Accomplishments Examining alternative data analysis methods, to improve work flow.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Process time motion data from large scale harvests for use in price uncertainty analysis of

willow biomass crops using the EcoWillow model. Task 3.1.2: Detailed time and motion data collection and fuel use analysis 1. Planned Activities

• No planned activities.



2. Accomplishments

No accomplishments to report.


4. Plans for Next Quarter • No work planned.

Task 3.1.3: Cost effective technologies for harvesting perennial grasses 1. Planned Activities

• Process data collected. 2. Accomplishments Processing data on the harvest of several thousand pounds of miscanthus from sites in

West Virginia. 3. Explanation of Variance


4. Plans for Next Quarter • No work planned.

Task 3.1.4: Optimize the operation of the perennial grass harvester 1. Planned Activities

• Process data collected. 2. Accomplishments Processing data on the operation of the grass harvester.





4. Plans for Next Quarter • Miscanthus field harvesting tests

Task 3.1.5: Feedstock Logistics, supply chain and modeling optimization 1. Planned Activities

• Revise models based on new research. 2. Accomplishments Accomplished optimization modeling of woody biomass. Manuscripts in preparation.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Revise models based on new research and including new data sets.

Task 3.2: Quantify the role of preprocessing for densification and storage on

transportation efficacy and downstream fuel conversion Task 3.2.1: Quantitative metrics of preprocessing parameters of biomass densification 1. Planned Activities

• Conclude torrefaction tests and analysis of feedstocks. 2. Accomplishments Characterizing physical properties of torrefied feedstock.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Further conclude torrefaction tests and analysis of feedstocks.



Task 3.2.2: Effects of preprocessing transportation and downstream fuel conversion 1. Planned Activities

• Conclude measurements of energy and fuel yield from torrefied biomass feedstock. 2. Accomplishments Measuring energy and potential fuel yield of torrefied biomass feedstock.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Further conclude measurements of energy and fuel yield from torrefied biomass.

Task 3.2.3 Biomass densification 1. Planned Activities

• Continue densification studies for switchgrass, miscanthus and willow. • Analyze densification impacts.

2. Accomplishments Drafting manuscript on non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue densification studies for switchgrass, miscanthus and williow, analyze

densification impacts.

Task 3.3: Assess the storage requirements and effects of long term storage on the quality of willow and perennial grasses

Task 3.3.1: Storage system development and assessments for perennial grasses 1. Planned Activities

• Continue long-term storage studies for switchgrass and miscanthus harvest, analyze storage impacts.



2. Accomplishments Continue to monitor ongoing studies and looking for additional opportunities to expand

research. 3. Explanation of Variance


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue long-term storage studies for switchgrass and miscanthus harvest, analyze

storage impacts.

Task 3.3.2: Storage system development and assessments for willow 1. Planned Activities

• Continue analysis and summary of long-term storage studies for willow, analyze storage impacts.

2. Accomplishments Drafting paper and fact sheet on storage impacts.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Complete and submit paper on long term storage studies for willow.

Task 3.4: Techno-economic analysis, cost engineering, and life cycle analysis of

densification, storage preprocessing and biorefinery integration Task 3.4.1: Develop an integrated supply chain model 1. Planned Activities

• Generate equipment performance parameters, biomass material format characteristics and ranges for each alternative supply scenario.

2. Accomplishments Analyzing different supply scenarios.





4. Plans for Next Quarter • Revised models based on new research.

Task 3.4.2: Cost engineering models for satellite preprocessing and storage 1. Planned Activities

• Refine estimates of preprocessing facilities. 2. Accomplishments Refinement of the cost estimates are ongoing and progressing.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue to refine estimates of costs and inputs for LCA studies.

Task 3.4.3: Life Cycle analysis, techno-economic analysis, and model integration 1. Planned Activities

• Refine, update SimaPro model. 2. Accomplishments Completed case study for feedstock in a geographic region. Obtained output metrics (GHGs, air quality) for each case studied.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Refine spatial-statistical LCA study for feedstock collection. • Collect data for comparing average and space-dependent.



Thrust 4: System Performance and Sustainability Metrics Sustainability will assess the overall system performance and sustainability of biomass to biofuel systems through a combination of detailed measurements at willow and perennial grass experimental sites, regional simulations using benchmark scenarios, and integration of the techno-economic analysis (shared with the Harvest, Preprocessing, and Logistics thrust). These activities provide information to assess sustainability following the criteria proposed by the Global Bioenergy Partnership: (1) the fuels life-cycle GHG emissions, (2) changes in soil quality, (3) emissions of non-GHG air pollutants, (4) impacts on water quality, (5) impacts on landscape biodiversity, (6) land use and land-use change related to energy feedstock production, and (7) rural and social development (coordinated with the Human Systems thrust). We also emphasize inclusion of so-called non-market ecosystem services that perennial systems may provide in NE landscapes. Task 4.1: Site- and crop-specific knowledge gaps Task 4.1.1: Biomass production 1. Planned Activities

• Continue eddy covariance installation. • Continue simulations for BCAP area. • Finish data use agreement for yield trials.

2. Accomplishments All towers are operating, with occasional data losses due to rodent damage. Preparing to install and taller tower in willow, as the sensors are already too close to the

top of the canopy. Soils in BCAP area are being clustered to facilitate the simulations. Data use agreement has been completed. In addition, biomass samples taken at switchgrass trials in Ithaca, NY.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Replace eddy towers. • Finish soil cluster in BCAP area. • Add a winter biomass sampling of willow at Rockview.



• Add biomass sampling of Hall’s miscanthus trials at Rock Springs.

Task 4.1.2: Nitrogen demand and alternative supply 1. Planned Activities

• Finish N model for perennial crops N remobilization. • Continue with routine monitoring of experiments.

2. Accomplishments Continue to update N demand, uptake and remobilization model in Forrester diagram

format; Toy model under construction. Willow 15N experiment at Rock Springs sampled. A total of 48 plants were individually

sampled and analyzed for 15N and separated in four fractions (leaf fall, standing leaves, one-year old stems, and older stem).


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Sample plants in winter at both Geneva, NY and Rock Springs, PA. • Continue with routine monitoring of experiments.

Task 4.1.3: Nitrous oxide emissions 1. Planned Activities

• Continue systematic sampling of soil N.

Kristie Dennison (l) and Felipe Montes (r) conduct nitrogen sampling at the Rock Springs willow site.



• Implement continuous storage of soil data. • Start discussion to test nitrous oxide emission in model using NY data.

2. Accomplishments Soil sampling of NO3 continues. Model development for N2O modeling continues in parallel with a sister project;

simulations of NY data delayed. Data management sample for soils data (almost) finished.


Activities and accomplishments are on schedule, with one variance to report. Simulations of NY switchgrass N2O emission data have been delayed as this will follow the completion of a paper describing different strategies for sampling N2O.

4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue systematic sampling of soil NO3. • Advance simulation of N2O emissions.

Task 4.1.3: Carbon storage 1. Planned Activities

• Maintain eddy system. • Continue soil sampling and storage. • Finish root sampling. • Laura Cangiano to prepare poster for NEWBio (and tri-societies) meetings.

2. Accomplishments Second eddy tower installed (repeats info from 4.1.1.). Root sampling of willow at Tully, NY and Belleville, NY. Both trials were planted in the

spring of 2005 and are now at the end of their third rotation (3-year-old shoots on a 10-year-old root system). The target is to complete roots samples of Fish Creek and SX61; approximately 33% completed.

Poster for NEWBio all hand meeting prepared and presented by Cangiano (first eddy data of willow in the USA) and the poster is being update for the tri-society meeting.




4. Plans for Next Quarter • Maintain eddy system. • Continue soil sampling and storage. • Finish root sampling.

Task 4.2: Benchmark scenarios 1. Planned Activities (broad plans)

• Finish work on BCAP test area. Share with the rest of the team. • Continue preparing a stable set of simulations that include comparative cropland when

needed and that can be used by economic team and sustainability to run regional assessments.

2. Accomplishments Simulations for annual crops and energy crops started for Western PA and Ohio BCAP

area. Soil database has been prepared, and seven weather files prepared.


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue simulations for both annual and perennial crops. • Resolve issue of N economy in perennials. • Add soil rock content to model to simulate reduction in effective soil volume due to

rocks. • Finish soil clustering to advance simulations of BCAP area.

Task 4.3: Regional feedstock supply and environmental assessment 1. Planned Activities

• Define physical sites for extension and education demonstrations. • Define virtual sites for education and regional simulation demonstrations. • Establish water quality impacts and air quality impacts for industrial activity and

emergent pollutants. • Begin to evaluate land use change impact on biodiversity and landscape. • Define harmonized database for LCA and non-market impacts. • Define data management for thrust and overall project.



o Integrate, conceptually, biomass production modeling with landscape characterization.

o Continue planning the coupling of biomass and water quality models (air quality is under way).

• Continue promoting data model development for each NEWBio thrust. • Complete an initial internal draft review of the extent to which bioenergy feedstock

production may increase emission of biogenic volatile organic carbon compounds, and how these compounds may reduce air quality.

2. Accomplishments Activities continued on an integrated economic assessment.


Activities and accomplishments are on schedule. No variance to report, except the re-focus on the ecosystem services components.

4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue activities from previous quarter, noting that the air quality aspect has been

completed. • Continue efforts on the following tasks:

o Integrate, conceptually, biomass production modeling with landscape characterization.

Task 4.4: Biomass to biofuel life cycle analysis and multi-criteria sustainability 1. Planned Activities

• As in previous quarter, continue data collection to compile techo-economic analysis (TEA) models.

• Continue work on sustainability matrix toward a specific example, possibly the BCAP area in Ohio / PA.

• The LCA/TEA group has focused on working with the HPL group to plan a logistics and pre-processing life cycle inventory.

2. Accomplishments Amanda Ramcharan prepared a poster (to be presented in the tri-societies meeting in

Nov. 2015) with a partial greenhouse emission budget for biofuels produced from winter rye or corn stove in corn-soybean systems in Pennsylvania and Maryland.




4. Plans for Next Quarter • As in previous quarter, continue data collection to compile techo-economic analysis

(TEA) models • Continue work on sustainability matrix towards an specific example, possibly the BCAP

area in Ohio / PA • The LCA/TEA group has focused on working with the HPL group to plan a logistics and

pre-processing life cycle inventory (and some reporting occurs within that thrust). • Prepare winter-rye / corn stover sustainability assessment manuscript.

Task 4.5: NEWBio Data Management Plan 1. Planned Activities

• Finalize the DMP for access and sharing and archive and preservation policies. • Specify hardware and software equipment specifications for searching data within the

NEWBio library. • Create a data tag library generated from researcher metadata. • Establish a goal-based plan for data management implementation for the future project

years: o Y3 will focus on metadata; o Y4 will determine the final library user interface; o Y4 will transfer data to the archival server.

2. Accomplishments Finalized and incorporated data use access and sharing agreement, and incorporated into

the DMP. Data storage during project performance period to be stored on the project’s internal

Google Drive. Members of the DMP working group participated in Bioenergy KDF tutorials with

personnel from ORNL. 3. Explanation of Variance


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Finalize archive and preservation policies.



• Specify hardware and software equipment specifications for searching data within the NEWBio library.

• Create a data tag library generated from researcher metadata and correlated with KDF data tags.

• Establish a goal-based plan for data management implementation for the future project years:

o Y3 will focus on metadata; o Y4 will determine the final library user interface; o Y4 will transfer data to the archival server.



Thrust 5: Safety and Health in Biomass Feedstock Production and Processing Operations

Safety and health aspects of the biomass product supply chain will be addressed from a holistic, systems perspective. During the project’s first year, the team conducted a literature search to review hazard and risk exposure and identified a framework for describing injury prevention opportunities and risk evaluations. Year Two focused on developing journal and extension publications and presentations that more precisely identify hazards, best safety practices, and opportunities for safety and health management plans. Task 5.1: Biomass safety program development 1. Planned Activities

• Develop respiratory and fire information into a fact sheet for Extension and safety use.

2. Accomplishments Fact sheet draft for formatting being worked on with publications group. A short fact

sheet format that ties biomass work with current agricultural safety fact sheets is being considered, as this will highlight the differences between biomass and conventional agricultural production.

Initial list of fact sheets compiled for this effort. 3. Explanation of Variance


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Finalize the format for these fact sheets, collect good photographs for the initial fact sheet

have the initial fact sheet available. • Move other fact sheets into the pipeline, collecting the materials needed for those fact

sheets.

Task 5.2: Safety and health hazard inventory 1. Planned Activities

• Continue and expand site visits to other operations. • Collect copies of operational manuals of biomass harvest equipment.



2. Accomplishments Willow site visited in northern New York State to see the state of the willow planted

there. One grower provided a tour of the growing sites, and also showed and described the use of the equipment used for the planting, care and harvest of those sites.

Manuals for the two pieces of equipment partially purchased by the NEWBio project and available for use by biomass growers in the Northeast were requested. One of the manuals is in hand, while the other will be here in early next quarter.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • As possible, continue to visit sites that are harvesting biomass. Miscanthus has yet to be

observed during harvest, but the effort will be made and perhaps the weather will be more cooperative this year.

• Collect second of the two manuals. This has proven more difficult than expected, but the provider believes that it is possible and that the manual will be provided at the beginning of October, 2014. These manuals will be used as reference while producing a short safety overview for the available machines that goes with the machines when they are used.

Task 5.3: Develop, conduct and evaluate a comprehensive safety and health

management program 1. Planned Activities

• Continue collecting photographs of biomass equipment so that current farm safety management publication can be adapted to serve the emerging biomass production/processing industry.

2. Accomplishments Through separate funding, a complementary booklet on “Safety and Health Management

Planning for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers” has been finalized and published. This publication will be the basis for a similar management planning publication that focuses on the biomass industry.

Photographs were collected as visits to additional biomass production sites happened. 3. Explanation of Variance





• Work through what is needed to adapt the safety planning manual to an on-farm biomass production focus.



Thrust 6 Extension Extension will transfer NEWBio project knowledge and skills developed to support rapid deployment of willow- and warm-season grass-based bioenergy systems for economic, social and environmental benefits. During year one, the team identified potential field demonstration sites, forward-positioned a step planter with a corporate partner, held workshops and webinars, and developed fact sheets and various NEWBio display materials. In year two, the Extension team consolidated activities at demonstration sites, fully developed the equipment leasing program, and created extension and eXtension materials on business models and other key issues facing the bioenergy sector. Task 6.1: Integrated demonstration sites 1. Planned Activities

• NEWBio representation at several large regional agricultural expos/summer farm shows: o Big Flats Perennial Grass o Empire Farm Days o Ag Progress Days

• Host a Farm Energy Day in Montgomery County, PA. • Complete necessary planting, replanting, maintenance activities at demonstration fields. • Continue developing outreach opportunities via field days, tours, and demonstrations. • Continue monitoring new BCAP funding opportunities for additional willow acreage. • Provide reports of crop monitoring data analysis to willow growers in Northern New

York and assist with upcoming crop monitoring and field activities. • Finalize planning for natural gas and willow short courses in fall 2014 and other

upcoming outreach events. 2. Accomplishments NY Demonstration site:

o EcoWillow 2.0 revised, reviewed, and released (Reaching >1000 registered users in 70 countries).

o Assistance continues to NY growers regarding crop monitoring/maintenance. o BCAP outreach remains strong—completed research summary (see Publications

section). o Updates continue to suite of willow outreach materials. o Necessary maintenance/management applied to planted demonstration areas. o Formal funding request has been submitted to the USDA to support the replanting of

almost 70 acres of willow crops established in 2013 with low plant density due to wet spring weather and late summer establishment.



o Continued assistance and coordination by extension staff to facilitate research in this demonstration region.

o Local presentations, publications, field events on NEWBio work relevant to demonstration site completed (see Publications section): Big Flats Perennial Grass Energy Tour and Presentations Empire Farm Days Student Career Fair

o National Bioenergy Day (Oct. 22) events being planned in NY demonstration site. o Registration open for willow short course (November 18-19) in Syracuse.

NW PA/ NE OH Demonstration site: o Local presentations, publications, field events on NEWBio work relevant to

demonstration site completed (see Publications): Ernst Conservation Seeds Open House Ag Progress Days Farm Energy Day (Montgomery County) National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Program Conference

o Necessary maintenance/management applied to planted demonstration areas. o Continued assistance and coordination by extension staff to facilitate research in this

demonstration region. o National Bioenergy Day (Oct. 22) events being planned in PA demonstration region.

WV Demonstration site: o Local presentations, publications, field events on NEWBio work relevant to

demonstration site completed (see Publications): LIINC Meeting Alton Site Field Tour

o Necessary maintenance/management applied to planted demonstration areas. o Continued assistance and coordination by extension staff to facilitate research in this

demonstration region.

3. Explanation of Variance Natural gas and biomass short course was cancelled due to time and staffing constraints. It will be considered as a future short course. Other activities and accomplishments are on schedule. No variance to report.

4. Plans for Next Quarter • NEWBio participation in or organization of National Bioenergy Day events (Oct. 22):

o Syracuse, NY o Meadville, PA



• Complete necessary planting, replanting, maintenance, and harvesting activities at demonstration fields (this coming season prioritizes harvesting activities).

• Continue developing outreach opportunities via field days, tours, and demonstrations. • Coordinate with WV Division of Energy to investigate biomass plant potential in WV. • Participate in Governor’s Energy Summit, WV. • Collect yield data in established switchgrass fields in NW PA across a soil wetness

gradient. • Host willow biomass short course in NY demonstration site. • Continue monitoring new BCAP funding opportunities for additional willow acreage. • Provide crop monitoring and technical assistance to willow growers in Northern NY as

needed during fall/winter harvesting operations. • Provide technical assistance and training opportunities for EcoWillow 2.0.

Task 6.2: Biomass equipment access program 1. Planned Activities

• Monitor and schedule equipment use. • Continue managing scheduling and distribution of equipment. • Continue investigating safety procedures, updating knowledge on this subject. • Safety—Become more familiar with equipment program and where equipment is housed.

If equipment is scheduled for use nearby, safety team will visit the equipment when available for investigation.

2. Accomplishments Continued monitoring use of machine reservation schedule. Coordinated with equipment users to understand limitations on availability. Safety procedures regarding machinery, logistics continue to be monitored based on

existing systems (field visits to current biomass operations). Collecting safety manuals for reference in creating safe-use sheets for NEWBio

purchased equipment.


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Prepare a fact sheet describing the equipment access program. • Incorporate safety information into equipment outreach materials. • Continue managing scheduling and distribution of equipment.



• Continue investigating safety procedures, updating knowledge on this subject. Task 6.3: Small business and economic development 1. Planned Activities

• Continue work on biomass business models. • Continue working on media analysis and publication.

2. Accomplishments Progress made on business model research for more in-depth market analysis. Webinar delivered on multi-tier market structure for biomass (refer to Publications and

Products section).


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue work on biomass business models:

o Analysis of paper and paperboard industry o Biomass transportation models

• Continue working on media analysis and publication.

Task 6.4: Expand eXtension.org for willow and warm-season grasses 1. Planned Activities

• Maintain and update NEWBio index of resources on eXtension website. • Manage NEWBio Ask an Expert section on the eXtension site. • Promote NEWBio Ask an Expert “widget” for embedding onto NEWBio partner website. • Publish 4 expert bios for NEWBio extension collaborators on eXtension. • Publish 3 research summaries (2 of which are in currently in progress). • Publish 2 fact sheets (1 of which is currently in progress). • Continue posting NEWBio webinars to eXtension Learn. • Utilize eXtension Farm Energy Facebook and Twitter to broadcast NEWBio events and

resources. • Coordinate web conference with other CAPs-Extension – use network to improve

outreach efforts.



• Utilize NEWBio social media presence (Facebook, Twitter) to broadcast NEWBio events.

2. Accomplishments NEWBio index of resources updated and maintained on eXtension website; now includes

journal publications, fact sheets published through eXtension, university extension programs, social media, extension and educational events.

Ask an Expert widget running on eXtension site, linked on “Resource” page. Published one expert bio (Volk) on eXtension to serve as a model for other NEWBio

collaborators. Published one research summary—Smart (see Publications) Published one fact sheet (Volk) on BCAP support in New York. Two fact sheets completed through university extension programs, will be linked in

eXtension resources for NEWBio Willow educational media posted on eXtension Farm Energy media site. Additional publications in progress. NEWBio webinars continue to be posted to eXtension Learn. Facebook and Twitter used to broadcast NEWBio events and resources. Joined Cross-CAP calls to discuss outreach techniques within other bioenergy CAPs,

marketing strategies/industry interactions (Aug. meeting focused on biomass marketing).

3. Explanation of Variance Pending publications still in review.


• Maintain and update NEWBio index of resources on eXtension website. • Manage NEWBio Ask an Expert section on the eXtension site. • Promote AaE—post link to NEWBio website, social media, newsletter. • Publish one expert bio for NEWBio extension collaborators on eXtension. • Publish four research summaries. • Continue posting NEWBio webinars to eXtension Learn. • Utilize eXtension Farm Energy Facebook and Twitter to broadcast NEWBio events and

resources. • Coordinate web conference with other CAPs-Extension – use network to improve

outreach efforts. Task 6.5: Interactive and innovative learning-lessons tools



1. Planned Activities • Release updated EcoWillow 2.0. • Finalize planning for upcoming short courses in October/November. • Present NEWBio’s extension model at Extension Summit Conference, September. • Present at upcoming field days, workshops, summer ag. expos (refer to 6.1). • Continue delivery of bioenergy webinars. • Continue to prepare fact sheets. • Continue to hold workshops, field days. • Continue to populate website, NEWBio blog. • Continue to complete educational presentations. • Send out monthly e-newsletter. • Utilize NEWBio social media presence (Facebook, Twitter) to broadcast NEWBio

events.

2. Accomplishments EcoWillow 2.0 released (Reaching >1000 registered users in 70 countries). Planning completed for November short course in Syracuse, NY. 3 presentations completed at Extension Summit Conference by NEWBio extension staff. NEWBio represented at all targeted ag expos, field events, etc. (see 6.1 and Publications). Bioenergy webinars delivered monthly (see Publications). Multiple fact sheets completed (see Publications). Additional fact sheets currently in progress. Multiple field days and tours completed at demo sites (see task 6.1, Publications). Multiple relevant presentations completed (see Publications). Blog post completed (see Publications). E-newsletters with NEWBio news and events sent out monthly. Maintained active social media presence via Facebook, Twitter.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Conduct outreach to advertise EcoWillow 2.0 updates. • Host short course in Syracuse, NY. • Continue NEWBio outreach at field days, presentations, events. • Continue delivery of bioenergy webinars. • Continue to prepare fact sheets. • Continue to hold workshops, field days. • Continue to populate website, NEWBio blog.



• Continue to complete educational presentations. • Send out monthly e-newsletter. • Utilize NEWBio social media presence (Facebook, Twitter) to broadcast NEWBio

events.



Thrust 7 Education The NEWBio education program will develop critical human capital by preparing learners to understand, contribute to, and lead the Northeast US bioenergy industry via three coordinated, complimentary programs that inform, engage, and enable students at secondary, undergraduate, and graduate levels. These programs dovetail with our research and extension programs and leverage existing program infrastructure and expertise within the team to allow for maximum impact. Task 7.1: Secondary educator training 1. Planned Activities

• Set up, deliver, and evaluate workshops. • Evaluate program annually.

2. Accomplishments

• Workshops successfully delivered at State College, PA and Morgantown, WV.

• Participants reported valuable learning and plans to incorporate bioenergy topics in their teaching schedule.


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Recruitment continued. • Collect applications/assist applicants by phone.

Task 7.2: Regional Bioenergy Scholars 1. Planned Activities

• Continue to provide training for Bioenergy Scholars. Scholars to participate in NEWBio annual meeting in Geneva NY on July 31-Aug 01, including poster session.

2. Accomplishments

• Scholars successfully completed their summer positions, delivered online webinars describing their work, and reported their findings either at the NEWBio annual meeting or at the Delaware State University research symposium.

“It was an outstanding experience for me. I have promoted it quite a bit back here at my High School.” “We had a great group of educators. I look forward to keeping in touch with them as we implement a number of activities presented to us at the workshop.” “You presented us with a truly impressive slate of people, activities, labs, and field locations.”




4. Plans for Next Quarter • Recruitment efforts will begin by posting applications on web, word of mouth and by other

means

NEWBio Education Program Y1 Y2 Y3

Bioenergy Scholars 8/8 8/7 8/…

Teachers Trained 20/16 20/10 20/…

Grad Scholarships 8/7 17/17 17/4…

Task 7.3: Graduate distance education in bioenergy 1. Planned Activities

• Market Program. • Delivery of courses. • Award scholarships for Fall Semester 2014.

2. Accomplishments

• Two courses concluded at the end of the Summer Semester (ABE 884: Bioenergy Systems, ABE 887: Bioenergy Harvest and Logistics).

• The program continues to be marketed via electronic and print advertising. • Three scholarships were awarded for Fall Semester 2014. • Note that a USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant was awarded to the faculty involved in

delivering these courses, which will be used to create innovative hands-on training experiences for the online students.





4. Plans for Next Quarter • Marketing of program. • Delivery of one course (ABE 888 – Bioenergy Conversions). • Award of scholarships for Spring Semester 2015.



Thrust 8 Leadership, Stakeholder Involvement, Knowledge-to-Action (K2A)

and Program Evaluation The primary focus here is to link stakeholder involvement to all NEWBio activities through demonstrated transdisciplinary collaborations, research that is closely aligned with stakeholder needs, and effective and efficient dissemination of scientific knowledge to support the expansion of perennial energy crops in the Northeast U.S. Task 8.1: Executive and thrust conference calls 1. Planned Activities

• Continue monthly teleconferences for Executive Committee and Leadership teams. 2. Accomplishments Held Executive Committee teleconferences on July 10 and September 11. Held Leadership teleconferences on July 17 and September 18. Held a total of 17 thrust and working group teleconferences to address such subjects as

the data management, feedstock budgets, publications planning, the equipment access program, and switchgrass harvesting.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Continue monthly scheduling for Executive Committee and Leadership team meetings. • Continue participation in thrust team meetings.

Task 8.2: All Hands teleseminars and meetings 1. Planned Activities

• Continue monthly teleseminar schedule to deliver project updates and share thrust progress toward goals and objectives.

• Engage thrusts, especially graduate students and corporate stakeholders, in the planning and organization of our monthly teleseminars and the August annual meeting.



2. Accomplishments Held a very productive, well-attended Annual Meeting on July 31-August 1, at the

Cornell-NY State Ag Experiment Station. (See Project Administration section.) Held an All Hands teleseminar on September 25, which featured the Human Systems and

Education teams. Human systems offered preliminary results of challenges and barriers to biomass energy from key informant interviews. The Education team offered a synopsis of each of three programs (Bioenergy Scholars, Secondary Educators, Graduate Students), in terms of numbers of participants and evidence of success from program evaluations.

Scheduled seminar topics and speakers for remaining Fall 2014 All Hands meetings: ○ November 20 will feature Frank Lipiecki of Renmatix, as speaker. ○ December 18 is reserved for feedback from the NEWBio evaluation team on the

results of their Year Two evaluation. Set 2015 annual meeting date: August 3-4-5, 2015, in Morgantown, WV.



4. Plans for Next Quarter • Schedule Spring 2015 All Hands teleseminar topics/speakers.

Task 8.3: External Advisory Board meetings and strategic planning 1. Planned Activities

• Invite Advisory Board members to participate in NEWBio All Hands teleseminars. • Confirm board member attendance and participation for the Year Two Annual Meeting. • Hold an Advisory Board meeting at the Annual Meeting.

2. Accomplishments Advisory Board members were invited to the July 31-August 1 Annual Meeting.

Attending were Board Chair Ann Swanson (Chesapeake Bay Commission), Calvin Ernst (Ernst Conservation/Ernst Biomass), John Posselius (CNH), and Dennis Rak (Double A Willow).

Board members participated in a stakeholder panel discussion during the Annual Meeting, Barriers to Bioenergy Scale-up in the Northeast.

Board members offered feedback to the NEWBio executive committee, evaluation team, and NIFA program leadership during a board member meeting.




4. Plans for Next Quarter • NEWBio will issue a call for seed grant proposals for Years 4 and 5 in December.

Advisory Board input will be requested for proposal reviews. Task 8.4: Task and project evaluation 1. Planned Activities

• Participate in leadership and team teleconferences. • Observe team interactions. • Attend and conduct ongoing observation of team interactions at the NEWBio Annual

Meeting. • Conduct Year Two Advisory Board evaluation interviews, and survey the internal

NEWBio project team.

2. Accomplishments Participated in the Annual Meeting, which included separate meetings with the Advisory

Board and the USDA NIFA Program Leader. Following the Annual Meeting, conducted Advisory Board, Executive Committee and

Leadership Team interviews, and surveyed the NEWBio project team.


4. Plans for Next Quarter • Participate in leadership and team teleconferences. • Observe team interactions. • Complete a draft of the Year Two evaluation report by November. • Provide feedback to the project team at the December 20, 2014 All Hands meeting.



Appendix A

NEWBio Task List and Timeline


NEWBio Year Two Annual Report: September 2013 – August 2014 56

-- -- Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3

Thrust 1 Human Systems

Task 1.1 Understanding socia l and economic constra ints O X O X O X X X X XTask 1.2 Assess demonstration s i tes as they pursue sca le up of biomass

crop production and supply cha in infrastructure O X O X X O X O XThrust 2 Feedstock Improvement for Perennial Energy Crops

Task 2.1 Breeding of non-invasive triploid hybrids of willow displaying hybrid vigor O X O O O X

Task 2.2 Genetic basis for pest and disease resistance in willow and perennial grasses O X O X O X O X O X

Task 2.3 Breeding and selection of cultivars adapted for NE conditions O X O X O X O X O XTask 2.4 Breeding and selection of willow and switchgrass yields on

reclaimed mine lands O X O X O X O X O XThrust 3 Harvest, Preprocessing, and Logistics of Integrated Biomass

Supply Chains

Task 3.1 Significantly reduce the harvesting cost per ton of biomass feedstocks from will and perennial grasses in the NE O X O X O X X X

Task 3.2 Quantify the role of preprocessing for densification and storage on transporation efficiency and downstream fuel O X O X O X O X X

Task 3.3 Assess the storage requirements and effects of long term storage on the quality of willow and perennial grasses O X

Task 3.4 Techno-economic analysis, cost engineering, and LCA of densification, storage, preprocessing, biorefinery integration X O X O X O X X

Thrust 4 System Performance and Sustainability Metrics

Task 4.1 Site- and crop-specific knowledge gaps O X O XTask 4.2 Benchmark Scenarios O O X XTask 4.3 Regional feestock suppy and environmental assessment O O XTask 4.4 Biomass to biofuel LCA and multi-criteria assessments O O X X OThrust 5 Safety and Health in Biomass Feedstock Production and

Processing Operations

Task 5.1 Biomass Safety Program Development X X X X X XTask 5.2 Safety and Health Hazard Inventory O O O O OTask 5.3 Develop, conduct and evaluate a comprehensive safety and

health management program O O O O O

2016 2017NEWBIO TASK LIST AND TIMELINE 2012 2013 2014 2015

See table legend on next page.


NEWBio Year Two Annual Report: September 2013 – August 2014 57

-- -- Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3

Thrust 6 Extension

Task 6.1 Integrated demonstration sites O O X O XTask 6.2 Biomass equipment access program O O O O O O O O O XTask 6.3 Small business and economic development X O X O O X O O XTask 6.4 Expand eXtension.org for willow and warm-season grasses X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XTask 6.5 Interactive and innovative learning-lessons tools X X O X O O X O O X XThrust 7 Education

Task 7.1 Secondary educator training O O O O OTask 7.2 Regional Bioenergy Scholars O O O O XTask 7.3 Graduate distance education in bioenergy O XThrust 8 Leadership, Stakeholder Involvement, and Program Evaluation

Task 8.1 Leadership, management and thrust team conference calls OTask 8.2 All-Hands teleseminars and meetings O O O O O OTask 8.3 External advisory board meetings and strategic planning O O O O XTask 8.4 Task and project evaluation X X X X XTask 8.5 Administrative program evaluation X X X X XTask 8.6 Final evaluation and program report X X

2016 2017NEWBIO TASK LIST AND TIMELINE 2012 2013 2014 2015

Key Deliverables

Project Milestones OFact Sheets, Reports, Articles, Videos X Low Activity High Activity

Activity Level


NEWBio Annual Progress Report: September 2013 – August 2014 58

Appendix B NEWBio Seed Grant Report

Soil microbial community analysis of willow trials on mine lands in West Virginia and PA Investigators John E. Carlson Professor of Molecular Genetics Department of Ecosystem Sciences and Management Pennsylvania State University Wanyan Wang, PhD Candidate, Plant Biology Graduate Program, Penn State Joshua Herr, PhD Candidate, Plant Biology Graduate Program, Penn State Type of Activity Primary : Research Keywords Soil microbes, metagenomics, mine land, genotype-environment interactions Project Purpose This seed grant project was conducted in conjunction with the seed grant project proposed by Grushecky et al. to plant new willow trials on mine land sites in WV and PA. The overall purpose of our project was to add a key component to the characterization of the test site soils, i.e. to determine the soil microbial community structure using a metagenomic (environmental DNA sequencing) approach. The goals of our seed grant were to: 1) strengthen the research and demonstration capacity of the NEWBio effort in WV by developing a series of willow plantings on four distinct sites, with an additional fixed effect of biochar application, and 2) strengthen the characterization of soils on these sites and other yield trial sites to be planted in 2013 by sampling and analyzing soils using the Cornell Soil Health Test. Activities conducted Replicate soil samples were collected at the time of planting and split for Cornell Soil Health analysis (at Cornell University) and soil DNA sequencing (by our group at Penn State). On average, 8 soil samples were collected from each of the trials. Total DNA was prepared from each soil sample and a separate, individually barcoded DNA library prepared from each DNA



sample for high throughput sequencing. The pool of DNAs sequenced included soil DNAs collected from other willow planting sites in 2012, the previous project year, for comparison. The willow trial sites sampled included a reclaimed mine land site in Philipsburg, PA, replicated trials in West Virginia, and trials planted in 2012 at Rock View, Rock Springs, Clements, Squires' Creek, Willsboro and Fredonia sites. One initial sequencing run was conducted as a pool of DNA libraries from 2 Philipsburg soil samples, 6 WV samples, 6 Rock View samples, 4 Rock Springs samples, 5 Clements samples, 6 Squires' Creek samples, 8 Willsboro samples and 16 Fredonia. The Illumina HiSeq 2000 machine produced an average of 200 Million base pairs (nucleotides) of sequence data from each soil DNA library in this first run (over 10 Gigabases of soil DNA sequence in total). An analysis of the soil DNA sequences is being conducted by Wanyan Wang and Josh Herr to determine which microbial taxonomic groups and gene families are represented in the soils at the time the trials began. In the near future the additional DNA samples prepared from these sites will be sequenced. In later years of the project, soil sampling and DNA sequencing will be repeated to determine how the microbial community changes as the willow cultivars grow. Seed Grant Project Value to NEWBio Poor fertility, extreme disturbance to soil structure, and lack of mycorrhizal symbionts can be the limiting factor for shrub willow establishment and productivity on abandoned mine sites. These sites are characterized by low soil pH, high salinity, high heavy metal content, variable drainage, lack of normal soil structure, and absence of typical soil microbes. Mycorrhiza enhance access of the roots to water and nutrients, and thus mycorrhizal establishment is necessary for sustainable biomass yields. Understanding genotype-by-environment interactions in willow biomass production is an important goal of NEWBio. For a complete assessment of genotype-by-environment interactions, it is necessary to correlate soil microbiome composition and soil physical characteristics with biomass yields. Thus our seed grant project generated important time 0 (at planting) information on mycorrhizal fungal symbionts and bacterial species composition at the new mine land trial sites which were not originally slated for planting at the beginning of the NEWBio project. Should the WV mine land demonstrations perform differently than the same genotypes at other non-mine land NEWBio sites, the data collected in this study along with the Grushecky et al. project, will make possible comprehensive comparisons across NEWBio to determine all of the crucial components of the environment and treatments affecting SRWC establishment and yields. Additional soil samples will be collected and sequenced in subsequent years to determine how the soil microbial community and soil chemical composition change over time with establishment of the willow plants, and if yields correlate with soil quality and microbes.



NEWBio Seed Grant Report

Establishment of willow demonstration trials on mine land in West Virginia Investigators Shawn T. Grushecky, Assoc.Director, Appalachian Hardwood Center, West Virginia University Jeffery Skousen, Professor of Plant and Soil Science, West Virginia University Lawrence Smart, Associate Professor, Horticulture, Cornell University Brian Richards, Sr. Research Associate, Biological/Environ. Engineering, Cornell University Michael Jacobson, Professor, Ecosystem Science and Management, Penn State Armen Kemanian, Asst. Professor, Plant Science, Penn State Type of Activity Primary: Research Secondary: Extension Keywords Biochar, biomass, mine land, outreach, Salix, soil health, willow Project Purpose Establish four replicated sites with nine willow varieties with an additional treatment of biochar. Monitor their growth over two years and collect all necessary soil information. During the summer of 2014, the study size was doubled with the acquisition of additional state funding. The plots will continue to be monitored and maintained throughout the five-year NEWBio performance period. Activities conducted In order to determine the influence of soil characteristics on willow growth, soil samples were collected at each of the six replicated plots during June 2013. Samples were collected according to the Cornell Soil Health Protocol (http://soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu). Reports were generated by the Cornell Soil Health Laboratory (Ithaca, NY) and chemical analyses were performed by Diary One testing lab (Ithaca, NY; http://dairyone.com). Soil samples were collected from all six replicate plots at each site in June 2013 and mean values were calculated from the six samples (Table 1).The soil at the Morgantown location is Ontario silt losixam and the land was historically farmland and has a severe erosion hazard. Soil at Squire’s Creek is rocky, Gilpin loam with severe erosion hazard. The land was historically mined and has been abandoned and sealed since 24 April 1986. The Buck Lilly Surface Mine is owned by Plum Creek and has been non-producing since 12 February 2013. The soil is Arnot loam, clay loam, and silty clay loam with steep slopes and severe erosion potential. Soil at Clements State Tree Nursery is Hamlin silt loam located within the Ohio River floodplain. Erosion is not a strong concern at this location.



Table 1. Site characteristics for field trial locations at the WVU Farm, Greenbrier Co., WV, Preston Co., WV and Clements State Tree Nursery, WV.

Site Characteristics WVU Farm Greenbrier Squires Creek Clements Latitude 39°39'29.55"N 38° 1'7.31"N 39°28'41.03"N 38°57'39.83"N Longitude 79°55'50.17"W 80°35'23.05"W 79°46'59.81"W 82° 5'28.58"W Elevation (ft) 1000 3650 1850 575 Soil Type Ontario Arnot Gilpin Hamlin Textural Class silt loam loam; clay

loam; silty clay loam

loam silt loam

% Sand 18.1 25.2 29.3 26.2 % Clay 16.5 29.3 22.2 17.8 % Silt 65.4 45.5 48.5 56.1 % Organic Matter 7.12 8 5 4 pH 7.48 6.2 7.3 6.3 Calcium (ppm) 4671.3 1309.2 2046.2 1611 Aluminum (ppm) 9.7 43 29.6 17 Magnesium (ppm) 123.4 186.8 164.2 159.9 Iron (ppm) 0.5 15.7 2.2 1.7 Manganese (ppm) 10.7 19.7 1.4 15.9 Zinc (ppm) 0.5 1.9 0.7 0.5

Seed Grant Project Value to NEWBio We conducted thermogravimetric, elemental, and proximal analyses on the willow cuttings following 1-season of growth. These analyses were done to determine if any differences in fixed carbon, ash, volatile matter, elemental carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and heating value existed among plots and treatments. This project established research/demonstration sites in WV This seed grant broadened the impact of the NEWBio program by providing information on the potential for sustainable willow biomass production on reclaimed mine land, of which over 700,000 acres are in the NEWBio region. If successful, the potential for economic returns from this reclaimed landscape will encourage adoption by commercial partners. Soil health testing, complemented by microbial metagenomics being conducted by John Carlson (at Penn State), will strengthen our long-term monitoring of changes in soil properties and improve willow and switchgrass yield modeling. Soil health testing, complemented by microbial metagenomics being conducted by John Carlson (at Penn State), will strengthen our long-term monitoring of changes in soil properties and improve willow and switchgrass yield modeling.

A series of high-visibility signs were developed for each replication, and the sites were integrated into the NEWBio demonstration program. A major outcome will be an instructional course that focuses on the establishment of a SRWC on minelands. The one-day meeting will focus on the willow planting process and will include an afternoon session that visits a planting site and allows interaction directly during establishment.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discriminiation in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not

all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Many materials can be made available in alternative formats for ADA clients. To file a complaint of discriminiation, write USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964.

www.newbio.psu.edu

Tom L. Richard NEWBio Project Director

Director, Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment 100 Land & Water Research Building

The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802

814-863-0291 [email protected]

Timothy A. Volk

NEWBio Associate Project Director Co-Director, SUNY Center for Sustainable and Renewable Energy

346 Illick Hall, 1 Forestry Drive SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Syracuse, NY 13210 215-470-6774

[email protected]

Barbara B. Kinne NEWBio Project Manager

Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Enviornment 118 Land and Water Research Building

The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802

814-865-1585 [email protected]

NEWBio’s vision is to build robust, scalable and sustainable value chains

for biomass energy in the Northeast United States.

Documents

Northeast Woody/ Warm-Season Biomass Consortium Quarterly and Annual Reports... · The Northeast Woody/Warm-Season Biomass Consortium: Building Sustainable Value Chains for Biomass