Bioenergy would be one of the sectors in future energy investment to replace imported fossil fuels. However, using our best land to grow biofuel crops is not a logical choice. Marginal quality land, such as reclaimed strip mine land and low quality sloping pasture or brushy land, is relatively low priced and may be suitable to grow perennial grasses as bioenergy crops. As municipalities nationwide face growing populations (meaning more waste), they are pleased with any opportunity to dispose of sewage sludge in a positive, productive way. Electric utilities with coal-fired power plants face a similar problem with flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum. Applying sewage sludge and FGD gypsum on marginal land as soil amendments to grow bioenergy feedstock will provide a valuable use for these waste products. Our long-term research suggested that growing perennial grasses for biofuels on marginal land amended with sewage sludge and FGD gypsum could produce more than 8 to 10 tons of dry biomass feedstock/acre annually to supplement our energy needs. Because the grasses are not grown for food, applying sewage sludge and FGD gypsum, to improve soil quality for growing biofuels will not pose danger to human health.
