Date of Award:

5-2012

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Plants, Soils, and Climate

Committee Chair(s)

Ralph Whitesides

Committee

Ralph Whitesides

Committee

Paul Grossl

Committee

Bruce Miller

Committee

Grant Cardon

Committee

DeeVon Bailey

Abstract

Nearly all highway, airport, and military areas in Utah cost money to maintain and are often safe harbor for noxious weeds and pests. This project hypothesized that money could be saved and biofuel feedstocks could be grown in these areas, improving sustainability. Agronomic conditions and growth methods were tested to determine if biofuel feedstock production could occur on these marginal, non-traditional plots of land. Models developed illustrate that maintenance costs for these areas can be nullified if oilseed crops grown yield 600 pounds/acre and are used for biodiesel production. This feedstock yield would result in approximately 25 gallons of biodiesel feedstock/mile. Oilseed crop plots were established in 2007 and 2008 along roadsides of the Utah I-15 corridor. Prior to planting, plots areas were sampled for physical and chemical agronomic conditions and determined to be conducive (with the exception of compaction) to oilseed crop production. Plots were sprayed pre-plant with glyphosate herbicide to kill the existing vegetation. Seeds were planted using a conventional Tye Pasture Pleaser No-Till Drill. Roadside plots all yielded under 200 pounds/acre of seed for both crops both years. The experiment was repeated in 2009–2010 under similar conditions using simple modified planting methods. This modification was utilization of an Aerway aerator prior to no till planting. Maximum yields from 2009–2010 trials ranged from 600–1200 pounds of oilseed/acre. Data showed it was not economical to grow oilseed crops for biodiesel production along Utah roadsides under the climatic conditions experienced during 2007–2008 using conventional agronomic techniques, but with simple planting practice modifications, yields were raised to feasible levels in the 2009– 2010 experiments.

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