Call Ernst Biomass a natural outgrowth of Ernst Conservation Seeds, a third-generation business that specializes in soil conservation solutions. The firm manages and harvests switchgrass seed and biomass and has recently developed a new facility to clean, condition and coat seeds. Partnering with academic researchers, Ernst is working on identifying seed strain cultivars with high biomass potential. It also manufactures briquettes and pellets of biomass fuel.
The new venture won a $896,4000 grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority last year to build a the pelletization mill at their Meadville location. At full capacity, the 12,000-square foot facility will process 30,000 tons of biomass a year, generated from 3,500 acres.
Most of that will be grown in Crawford County, says Dan Arnett, the firms biomass coordinator.
Variations in switchgrass productivity mean that Ernst must produce a variety of strains for optimum performance. Switchgrass is often mixed with other native grasses, such as big bluestem, indiangrass, coastal panic grass, cordgrass, and legumes including showy tick trefoil, wild senna, and partridge pea. The mixes are adjusted for upland, meadow, wetland, and reclamation sites. The firm also markets lines for residential use.
Source: Dan Arnett, Ernst Biomass
Writer: Chris OToole