Texas researchers work to develop biobased cropping systems
In Texas, AgriLife Today reported that a Texas A&M AgriLife-led team is evaluating biobased feedstock cropping systems with both water and carbon resiliency.
The research team will use a combination of feedstock germplasm and field production studies to develop a predictive system to identify the best-performing crops and cropping system for renewable energy and biobased products while maximizing carbon capture and retention in the soil.
“It all links back to climate change and increased carbon emissions,” said Mahendra Bhandari, a remote-sensing crop physiologist and assistant professor at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi. “We are looking for better products and systems that will minimize the use of fertilizers and other inputs to eventually benefit environmental sustainability.”
The project will screen energy cane, switchgrass and perennial sorghum genotypes for water- and nutrient-use efficiency.
