Forest Biomass Innovation Center hosts Field Day
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EmailCongratulations to the folks up at the Forest Biomass Innovation Center (FBIC) for successfully hosting the first Woody Biomass Field Day on August 21, 2012.
Congratulations to the folks up at the Forest Biomass Innovation Center (FBIC) for successfully hosting the first Woody Biomass Field Day on August 21, 2012. The field day was attended by about 50 people, including campus dignitaries like: Dr. Rich Kobe (Chair, MSU Forestry), Dr. Ajit Srivastava (Chair, MSU Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering), Dr. Steve Pueppke (Director, MSU AgBioResearch); Michigan State University Extension leaders Bill Cook and Warren Schauer; collaborators from the University of Minnesota; local media representatives; local forestry and bioeconomy business leaders; economic development people; and interested landowners and citizens.
The Forest Biomass Innovation Center is well known for its research into developing systems for growing woody biomass in energy plantations in a way that is efficient and that maximizes economic and environmental benefits. The field day was an opportunity to share research updates, with a view towards expanding woody biomass energy plantations across the state.
After brief introductions, the field day included a walking tour of the poplar and willow biomass crop production trials. Attendees looked at various production systems, genetic trials, spacing trials, and specialized equipment, and discussed how these new production systems might be deployed commercially in Michigan.
