ABSTRACT

There has been increasing interest in using bioethanol as an automotive fuel because of national security, environmental, and economic concerns associated with using petroleum. Forage or herbaceous energy crops represents a promising source of carbohydrates for producing bioethanol. Their merits include lower production costs compared with grain crops, lower energy inputs (e.g., require fewer fertilizer and pesticide applications), and the ability to grow on marginal crop lands, and because they are perennial, they are sustainable and will improve soil quality over time.