Reed Canary Grass as Biofuel Feedstock

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) has traditionally been grown as a forage crop in some areas in Europe, and is currently reported as a non-food crop in Northern Europe. In Finland, it is considered a potential bioenergy crop. The bioenergysite website reports that researchers in Finland believe that reed canary grass can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, since "more carbon is tied into the soil through the cultivation of reed canary grass than is released into the atmosphere during combustion (and also from the manufacture of fertilizer)". Energy produced from reed canary grass in Finland this year is expected to be comparable to the energy produced by wind power. Incentives are given to farmers who cultivate reed canary grass, in the amount of 500 euros to 600 euros per hectare.

Related information on reed canary grass:
http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/chf/outreach/VMG/rcanarygr.html
http://www.encrop.net/GetItem.asp?item=digistorefile;129965;730¶ms=open;gallery