Biotech Updates

Computer Model Predicts Crops' Yield for Bioenergy Production

December 12, 2008

ALMANAC, a computer model developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, is able to evaluate the use of crops such as corn and switchgrass for bioenergy production. Originally used as a crop management tool and later as a pasture management tool, ALMANAC is able to accurately predict a crop’s simulated yield within 1 to 10 percent of actual yields.

 The model helps determine outcomes on arid rangeland, marginal lands and more fertile lands, thus helping farmers alleviate concerns about shifting acres from food to fuel. It also predicts the benefits of anticipated breeding improvements such as yield and water use efficiency.

ALMANAC is online at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=16601. The ARS news item is at http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=1261  http://www.isaaa.org/contentmanager/newsletter/www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr