The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
To explore horticultural applications of biofuel wastes, and the research, extension and teaching opportunities these may present.

The biofuel industry produces a wide array of waste products such as ashes, fermentation residuals, and sludges.  Fuel makers and users dispose of or sell these wastes for things like animal feed and other industrial processing.  Because these products are almost exclusively derived from plant products, they may have potential value as constituents in horticultural systems.  This workshop will explore the value and potential uses of several waste products, from liquid and solid methane production residuals to ashes of burned biomass.  Audience members will be asked to contribute their thoughts, opinions, and questions to this mostly discussion-centric workshop.  Intended outcomes of the workshop are (1) a better understanding by the audience of the breadth and availability of biofuel wastes, (2) increased understanding of the potential role horticulture can play in adding value to the biofuels industry by developing uses and providing markets for biofuel wastes, and (3) the planting of seeds of collaboration for biofuel waste-related activities among the participants.