Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

NECC 1501 Annual Meeting Minutes

July 16, 2020

Location:  Zoom Meeting Room, https://psu.zoom.us/j/92127435745

             or Call: 1-646-876-9923, Meeting ID# 921 2743 5745

1. Welcome and Introductions

Attending:

2. Review of Agenda

3. Review of Minutes of Past Meeting

Ed Johnstonbaugh motion to approve (Scott Sanford second).  Passed

4. USDA Administrator’s Report

Gary Thompson, administrative advisor (AA) for group.

• 1501 scheduled to terminate September 30, 2020
• New project, NECC 2001 approved unanimously in May to begin October 1, 2020 for 5 years. Reviews were very positive, provided some constructive suggestions.
• "Appendix E" - group membership list - does not roll over. Can ask your experiment station director to add you or do it yourself, following instructions shared by Gary. 
• Annual report will include minutes of this meeting, plus summary of station reports, and will be due in 90 days. Follow same format as in years past.  Turn in to Rachel Unger at PSU. 
• Gary leaving PSU, to become southcentral region AA. Thus there will be a new AA assigned shortly by Northeast Executive Director of Experiment Stations.  New AA can be a department head - feel free to suggest someone. 
• AJ - What is the financial update on what is happening in Washington DC?

We are starting to see some opening up in terms of opportunities for renewable energy.  NIFA has transitioned from DC to Kansas City, and is moving things along pretty well, in spite of losing 50% of workforce.  Scott Angle (Director, NIFA) has stepped down, Parag R. Chitnis is interim director.  We are seeing that most appropriations for capacity funding (i.e. Hatch, Smith-Lever) are flat.

• AJ - What is normal in terms of travel support for regional project group meeting attendance?

All decisions for that are made at the local (i.e. university) level. 

5. Station Updates

(See attached reports for additional details)

Penn State:

• Teaching two energy courses.
• Extension includes Beginning Farmers grant, Biochar projects, Farm Energy Day workshops, e-extension. Research includes thermochemical-biochemical conversion, pelletizer characterization, shrub willow debarking, cotreatment of AD. New projects starting include C-Change and MASBio AFRI CAPs.  University digester now built and operating. 

Illinois: 

• Solar Farm 1.0 was completed in 2015, 20.8-aces, 5.87MW capacity, provides 2% of campus electricity. In 2019, Solar Farm 2.0 (54 Acres, 12.1 MW) was approved. Scheduled to be completed by end of 2020. 
• Extension work - several research projects have wound down, extension efforts haven't yet ramped up. Smart meter outreach project in Year 4.  Working on solar with John Hay (UNeb).  Interested in redirecting the apparent downturn in renewables interest into effort towards a new direction. 

New Jersey:  

• Food waste now mandated to be recycled - lots of interest in Anaerobic Digesters. Four projects underway to serve as receivers of food waste / AD systems.  Need use for liquid digestate as well as solids. 
• Working with lighting systems for plant growth. Developing standards with ASABE, testing fixtures.  Published high tunnel production guide for berries, biosystems engineering textbook.  Bill Roberts died last month, 98 yrs.  Inventor of double poly cover for greenhouses. 

Wisconsin:

• Finished mint distillation project.
• Taking part in BFRDP project
• Teach BSE 362 - Renewable Energy Systems (online)
• Pubs on tunnel ventilation microenvironments.
• Analyzed biogas status in Wisconsin.
• Monthly energy newsletter (Sherrie Gruder).
• Scott retiring. AJ - we could write a letter to the UW dean requesting that they hire a replacement. 

Maryland:  

• Doing capacity building within MD Extension. Conducted a thorogh survey. 
• Developing an energy extension website for MD
• Two solar projects ongoing - legal issues analysis, and training initiative.
• Did a Barriers to Anaerobic Digestion survey.
• Analyzed "biochar from poultry litter" project.
• Analyzed MD regulations related to AD and other bioenergy applications.
• Worked with poultry litter digester to do proof of concept testing.
• Wrote technical reference guide for biogas production and utilization.
• Worked on algae digestion w/ port of Baltimore.
• Researched nanoparticles and their impact on AD.
• Researched biochar in AD.
• Worked on ammonia extraction from AD effluent
• Researched treatments of feedstock and impact on AD.

Michigan:

• Studying public attitudes to renewables and biofuels.
• Working on ag solar lease guidance.
• Powering Ag workshops - showcasing successful farms.
• Doing farm audits.
• Hoping to pursue a project to look at promoting greater adoption of solar. Working on a model solar ordinance. 
• Interested in going after leftover AgEMP money to do energy education. Any interest in a team proposal? 
• Energy efficiency program expanding. Getting involved with utilities.  Receiving requests for help with grain dryers, greenhouses, irrigation. 
• Discussion - farm land conversion to solar PV - community and government attitudes and actions? NJ does not permit.  Some in NE see it as a way to protect farmland. 
• Discussion - consortium of university digester owners/operators?

Nebraska:

• Comments on Nebraska "Integrated Farm" of 1980s (digester, solar, wind, etc.)
• Teaches energy sciences minor, with some ag content.
• Working on irrigation, including irrigation efficiency. Looking at modeling that takes into account variable price of electricity. 
• Working with "field to market" organization to quantify sustianability of the fields from which they source their crops, use that info as an educational tool.
• Discussion - any work on integrating energy and water conservation? This could be a atrategy for maintaining the relevance of farm energy.  

Virginia:

• Worked on Poultry litter to energy conversions,
• Market development for ash and biochar, BFRDP, Mobile solar pumping systems for livestock.

Providing webinars and outreach on solar farms in VA.

6. Review of Last Year, Plans for Future Year

• BFRDP rolling along
• Book - need to do internal review

Where to publish?  Perhaps we need to engage some editors.  Perhaps Springer or Elsevier?  Charles has contact at Elsevier. 

What about open access?  This would be preferred. 

Contact Rick Rhodes, ED for NEERA, to ask about potential for providing $$ for open access. 

Alternately, consider an open access journal with a "special issue". 

• Charles looking to tap into financial assistance for implementing energy conservation measures. NRCS has leftover funds most years in many states.  Project would be to provide support for farmers to access those funds, enlarge pool of TSPs.  If we make this a multi state project, it can be bigger ($5M instead of $1M).  Would involve four individuals, each at 0.25 FTE.  Will help train TSPs to better understand farms, smooth out issues between USDA and utilities. 

Not a lot of info out there on the long term impact of these efforts. 

• Drew mentioned the need to develop local expertise in MD.
• MSU developed a certification and training program for auditors.
• Perhaps we should work to expand ASABE S612 for standardized methods and/or develop a standard training program for farm energy auditors.
• Scott has an energy efficiency website that he'd like to find a new host to maintain. Consists of multiple calculators for different farm types.  USDA Energy Self Assessment Calculator.  USDA decided not to take it over. 
• wisc.edu

Other ideas? 

• Promote an AFRI CAP on the concept of net zero energy farming?
• Integrated grants on...
• Undergrad education modules on energy auditing
• US DOE P2 (pollution prevention) grant opportunities?
• ANDIG3 project produced curriculum on AD and other forms of bioenergy. Charles Gould will work on updating and publishing. 
• Campus Farm Digester Community Group - Stephanie L to organize.

Deliverables for next year: 

• Book – Dan to organize towards placing in hands of publishers by close of 2020
• NRCS EQUIP Proposal - Charles
• Calculators – All to contact Scott with ideas for hosting
• Curriculum development – Charles to spearhead process
• Digester operator group – Stefanie to organize
• e-extension – Dan to organize

Response to proposal review:

• e-extension overlap
• sharing of curriculum
• ag resiliency
• All to review (will email around).

Next year’s meeting:

Tentatively plan to meet at NEES, Oct 2021

7. Adjourn

• Motion to adjourn (John Ignosh, Second Dave Specca) passed. 

The objectives of this regional project are to:

1. Prepare a survey report on the "regional farm energy status and outlook"
2. Identify research, education, and extension opportunities and needs for the topic of farm energy
3. Prepare joint proposals for funded projects in farm energy research, education, and Extension

Annual accomplishments are reported for each experiment station. 

EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey

Objective 1: Survey Report

Two draft chapters titled “Energy Efficiency - Greenhouse Energy Management” and “On-Farm Energy Production - Solar, Wind, Geothermal” were developed as part of our committee’s efforts to report on the regional farm energy status and outlook.

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

No accomplishments to report.

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

We are participating in the USDA-funded “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” project that was developed in collaboration with members of this committee.

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

Professor emeritus William (Bill) J. Roberts passed away on May 21, 2020 at the age of 88. Bill is perhaps best known for the invention of the air-inflated, double-layer polyethylene film system for covering the roof of a greenhouse. In 2004, the site of the original greenhouse at Rutgers University was designated as ASABE’s 44th National Historic Landmark. Bill retired in 1999. He will be especially remembered for his warm personality that included many hugs, jokes, and stories. We are working on a repository of Bill’s publications that span his 50-year career in agricultural engineering. We plan to make this repository available online later this year.

Tom Manning, greenhouse engineer and previous contributor to our committee retired in 2019. He continues to offer consulting services, but is no longer involved with the research and outreach at the NJ Ag Experiment Station.

EXPERIMENT STATION:      Illinois

Objective 1: Survey Report

We helped draft the following:

Chapter 02: Energy Efficiency – Smart Metering (Wang, Johnstonbaugh)

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

A U of I extension team received the Smart Meter Education grant for calendar years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.  The application process for continued funding into 2020 has been started. Hard to reach low-income, seniors, and rural residence are the target audience for this statewide effort. Smart meters have been installed by both the large investor owned utilities in the state. These utilities are offering consumers access to the near real-time, hourly-use data, along with hourly pricing programs. The extension team has focused on educating consumers on how the data and pricing programs can help them make better utilization and efficiency decisions. The team is unique among grantees in our focus on rural audiences including farms.  During 2019, the major focus pivoted from awareness of new resources to implementing efficiency and cost reduction strategies.  In 2020, additional solar energy information was added to the mix.  The focus is on how individual or community solar projects might play into longer term cost savings.    

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

A proposal entitled “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” was developed together with PI Daniel Ciolkosz at Penn State University and was selected for funding.

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

The Solar Farm 1.0 is rated at 5.87 megawatt DC/ 4.68 megawatt AC.  The University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved construction of a 20.8-acre solar farm in November 2012. It has been operational since December 11, 2015. The Solar Farm produces an approximately 7,200 MWh annually or approximately 2% of the annual electrical demand for the Urbana campus making this site one of the largest university solar arrays in the country.

Solar Farm 2.0:  Construction of a new 54-acre, 12.1 MW(dc) Solar Farm has been approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees as the sole member of Prairieland Energy, Inc. Referred to as "Solar Farm 2.0," the new utility-scale array will be located north of Curtis Road, between First Street and Dunlap Avenue in Savoy. Solar Farm 2.0 will produce approximately 20,000 MWh per year, nearly tripling the university’s existing on-site renewable energy generation. The overall project is on track to be completed by the end of 2020.

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Pennsylvania

Objective 1: Survey Report

We organized a shared repository for chapter drafts, and helped draft the following:

Chapter 01: Energy Use on the Farm (Ciolkosz, Go)

Chapter 02: Energy Efficiency – Smart Metering (Wang, Johnstonbaugh)

Chapter 08: On-Farm Energy Production - Biofuels (Ciolkosz, Steiman) 

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

no progress to report

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

Team members participated in two AFRI CAP proposals:

C-Change (Lead Institution: Iowa State University): Focused on anaerobic digestion of manure plus crops. 

MASBio (Lead Institution: West Virginia University, includes SUNY ESF, Virginia Tech, West Virginia State University): Focused on converting marginal and abandoned lands to biomass production, primarily for bioproducts but with energy a secondary market. 

The ongoing Beginning Ranchers and Farmers Development Initiative (BRFDI) project, which includes several NECC 1501 participants, continued to produce extension video material on energy topics for new farmers and ranchers. 

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

WIG: Penn State Extension completed its Wood Innovation Grant, in which they partnered with Koppers Corporation to develop markets for biochar from used railroad ties.  The no cost extension is underway, in which extension materials for the general public will be developed. 

Solar PV: Several projects were undertaken relative to solar photovoltaic systems, including

Solar Leasing Extension:  A fact sheet and webinar were developed and delivered to educate farmers about land leasing for utility scale solar project development. 

Solar Project Development: Ongoing efforts worked to develop solar PV renewable energy opportunities for rural municipal authorities, businesses, and non-profits in Western PA. 

Biochar Extension: An extension seed grant was obtained to demonstrate biochar utilization as a soil amendment and provide information to municipal customers about the properties and performance of biochar. 

Student Research: Ongoing student research projects of relevance to Farm Energy Production and Use include:

• Short Rotation Willow Debarking (A Chahal, D Ciolkosz)
• Wheat Straw Torrefaction and Conversion (B Memis, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz)
• Biomass Sorption (A Arya, J Tripathi, D Ciolkosz)
• Biomass Pelleting (Y Li, D Ciolkosz)
• Bioenergy and Energy Security (B Hulse, D Ciolkosz)
• Biogas from Cellulosic Feedstock (M McVey, D Ciolkosz)

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Maryland

Objective 1: Survey Report

An initial survey (Sept 2018–April 2019) of 75 participants was given to systematically investigate the financial and policy barriers to anaerobic digestion (AD) implementation in terms of capital costs, maintenance, regulations, and incentives with industry, regulators, and farmers in the US. In July 2019 to June 2020, the survey responses data were processed and analyzed. The analysis of respondent data has shown large support for food waste diversion policies and the positive relationship between potential food waste policies and the development of anaerobic digestion in the US. Results have also shown a large overlap between actual and perceived motivations for AD implementation throughout various participant populations. The survey also displayed higher variability in participant responses around policies and laws regarding to biogas and electricity.

A survey was issued to all University of Maryland Extension (UME) Educators and Specialists (283 eligible Faculty) between October 2018 – March 2019 to assess the interest and need for energy-related outreach, education and programming. The survey achieved a 34.6% response rate (n=98) with the survey data processed and analyzed between April 2019 and April 2020. Results indicated that farmers and ranchers account for 27% of those clientele in Maryland that are currently seeking energy-related information from UME; prioritizing energy-related economics (19%), heating (14%) and energy assessments (9%). Grid-tied solar PV (13%) and land leasing for renewable energy systems (12%) were also top priorities for those clientele currently seeking information on clean energy technology. The primary barriers to energy programming were perceived as an insufficient understanding of clean energy technology and high costs associated with clean energy..

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

The University of Maryland team has been working with farmers in implementing anaerobic digestion technology for dairy and poultry famers, as well as fluidized bed combustion for poultry manure.

• The Maryland team has worked with a dairy farm in Cecil County, MD to upgrade their digester and installing a combined heat and power system for their covered lagoon digester with food waste co-digestion. The team has worked with them to identify vendors, review feasibility studies and collect information on power purchase agreements. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate power purchase agreements and understanding opportunities with food waste co-digestion. Work funded under Maryland Department of Agriculture.
• The Maryland team worked with farmers interested in the new nutrient trading program and how anaerobic digestion (with composting), combustion, and gasification can be used for receiving future nutrient trading credits. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers navigate this area and how farm energy technologies can be integrated into this new program.
• The Maryland team conducted third-party monitoring of system operations of a fluidized bed combustion unit for poultry litter for heating the poultry houses in Dorchester County, MD to implement and quantify electrical and thermal energy and ash production. The Final Report and Fact Sheet were submitted to Maryland Department of Agriculture.
• The Maryland team developed a white paper to increase farmer and utility companies understanding of Code of Metering Law and Maryland regulations ((COMAR) 20.50.10.01) and the relationship between the COMAR and anaerobic digestion technology.
• The Maryland team worked with a poultry farm in Worcester County, MD to implement and quantify biogas production and nutrient recovery from a poultry litter digester with post-digestion nutrient recovery and re-use of the effluent water in the front of the digestion system. The team has completed gathering data on this system, and conducted life cycle assessment of the technology. We are finalizing the final report and Fact Sheet and will submit to Maryland Department of Agriculture in 2020.
• The Maryland team is working on reducing antimicrobial resistance through integration of engineering and social science, Dr Lansing team lead a multi-million USDA grant that developed a new method for antibiotic detection in manure and determined the effect of advanced treatment technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and composting, on resistance.

The Maryland team has been working with on-farm energy efficiency and conservation.

• The Maryland team organized an energy in-service in October 2019 in Ellicott City MD, with 45 participants to explore various energy-related policies, technologies, financial opportunities, and energy programs in Maryland. UME educators, specialists and other faculty explored programming to reduce energy use, lower energy costs, and implement clean energy technology for farms and rural businesses. Topics included an overview of Maryland’s energy outlook, the impacts of energy efficiency, a panel discussion on energy efficiency programming, woody biomass opportunities, geothermal potential, a panel on solar development in the region, on-farm solar implementation, anaerobic digestion technology and opportunities, and a panel discussion on project financing and development.
• The Maryland team is developing an energy Extension program to help farmers and ag service providers reduce on-farm energy use, sustainably increase energy production, and minimize energy expense through energy conservation, energy efficiency, and the implementation of renewable/alternative energy systems on farms. Relevant programming included: 4 lectures/presentations; 1 workshop/demonstration; 1 in-service training; 6 one-on-one consultations; 1 energy Extension website; 1 fact sheet; reaching 138 individuals.
• The Maryland team worked with farmers interested in on-farm solar PV technology and development. This Extension programming addresses the socioeconomic, legal and technical issues associated with on-farm solar PV and its BMPs on a farm. Schiavone is leading a SARE grant dealing with Extension training for on-farm solar. Future extension efforts will focus on helping farmers, ag service providers, local government, landowners, and solar developers understand how farm energy technologies can be sustainably implemented. Relevant programming efforts in this area include: 5 one-on-one consultations; 1 workshop; reaching 50 individuals.

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

None to report.

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

None to report.

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Wisconsin

Objective 1: Survey Report

No accomplishments to report.

Objective 2: Identify Opportunities

Research project looking at a new way to distill oil from essential oil plants (mint) to improve energy input and reduce water use. Built prototype distillation unit, Project completed March 2020. Funded by USDA – NIFA – Specialty Crops. (Sanford)

Objective 3: Joint Proposals

A proposal entitled “Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher” was developed together with PI Daniel Ciolkosz at Penn State University and submitted to the USDA 2018 BFRDP Program

Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the NECC-1501 Multistate Research Project objectives:

Undergraduate Course:

BSE/​ENVIR ST  367 — RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Students will learn about the state-of-the-art in renewable energy applications including biomass for heat, electric power and liquid fuels as well as geo-energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power. Students will do engineering calculations of power and energy availability of renewable energy sources and learn about requirements for integrating renewable energy sources into production, distribution and end-use systems. Taught 3 times per year. On-line course.

5. Annual Station Impacts

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Illinois

The smart meter education project involved eight U of I extension educators from across the state.  The group presented to 68 group resulting in 2214 contacts across the state during 2019.  There was a notable increase in knowledge (97%) and likelihood to take steps to improve energy efficiency in the home (71%) among those who completed surveys. Presentations and workshops on energy crop and biomass heat & power have been delivered to farmers and other audiences.

EXPERIMENT STATION:      Maryland

New manure management energy systems are being installed in Maryland farms with expertise from Maryland Extension on operation and quantifying functional parameters of waste to energy. Transformations of nutrients, and antibiotics, as well as energy production efficiency, are being quantified in manure to waste technologies used on-farm by the University of Maryland team, with on-going material content (Fact Sheets and articles) being produced and new workshops and events planned. In addition, Maryland team created a chapter entitled, “On Farm Energy Production – Biogas,” currently under review for publication which will provide farmer’s with a complete guide to understanding digester implementation on-farm.

EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey

Nationwide, Extension and NRCS personnel and commercial greenhouse growers have been exposed to research and outreach efforts through various presentations and publications. It is estimated that this information has led to improved designs of controlled environment plant production facilities and to updated operational strategies that saved an average sized (1-acre) business a total of $25,000 in operating and maintenance costs annually. Greenhouse growers who implemented the information resulting from our research and outreach materials have been able to realize energy savings of between 5 and 30%.

EXPERIMENT STATION:    Pennsylvania

Presentations, written materials, on-site demonstrations, and responses to inquiries have been provided on farm energy production and use. 

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Wisconsin

Developed three extension publications dealing with wood energy and comparison of different energy sources.

Developed one extension publications dealing with the basics of micro irrigation.

EXPERIMENT STATION:         New Jersey

Dissertations, Theses (Published):

• Li, Y. 2020. The effects of Silicon nutrition on hydroponically grown lettuce, bok choy, and basil. Ph.D. Dissertation. Rutgers University Libraries. 219 pp. (A.J. Both served as major advisor)

Book Chapters (Published):

• Shelford, T.J. and A.J. Both. 2020. Plant production in controlled environments. In Introduction to Biosystems Engineering, N.M. Holden, M.L. Wolfe, J.A. Ogejo, and E.J. Cummins (Eds.). Published by ASABE in association with Virginia Tech Publishing. 28 pp.

Refereed Journal Articles (Published):

• Li, Y., A.J. Both, C.A. Wyenandt, E.F. Durner, and J.R. Heckman. 2019. Applying Wollastonite to soil to adjust pH and suppress powdery mildew on pumpkin. HortTechnology. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04391-19. 10 pp.

Popular (Trade Journal) Articles (Published): 

• Both, A.J. 2019. Revisiting the measurement of light. GLASE Technical Article Series. Available at: https://glase.org/

Other Creative Works:

• Both, A.J. 2020. High tunnel design and control. Abstract in the Proceedings of the 65th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. Atlantic City, NJ. February 4.
• Lewus, D.C. and A.J. Both. 2020. Using CFD to improve high tunnel ventilation. Abstract in the Proceedings of the 65th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. Atlantic City, NJ. February 4.
• Lubna, F. and A.J. Both. 2020. Poster: Life cycle assessment (LCA) of supplemental lighting systems used for controlled environment crop production. Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference. Philadelphia, PA. January 6-9.
• Mattson, N. and A.J. Both. 2020. Horticultural lighting systems energy-savings calculations. GLASE Webinar. February 20. Available at: https://glase.org/resources/webinars/
• Both, A.J. 2019. Greenhouses: An overview. Presentation for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in East Orange, NJ. May 3.
• Both, A.J., K. Demchak, E. Hanson, C. Heidenreich, G. Loeb, L. McDermott, M, Pritts, and C. Weber. 2019. High tunnel production guide for raspberries and blackberries. Available at: https://www.tunnelberries.org/

Workshop Sponsor:

• Our annual Greenhouse Crop Production Short Course was cancelled due to COVID-19. It was originally scheduled for March 19-20, 2020.

Workshop Participant:

• Both, A.J. 2019. Hydroponics: Benefits and risks. Presentation during the Annie’s Project Workshop titled: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe. New Brunswick, NJ.

Refereed Publications (Pending):

• Shelford, T., C. Wallace and A.J. Both. 2019. Calculating and reporting key light ratios for plant research. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae.
• Lewus, D. and A.J. Both. 2019. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to improve high tunnel ventilation. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae.
• Both, A.J. 2020. Crop irrigation. Chapter submitted for the 19th edition of the Ball Redbook. 4 pp.
• Both, A.J. 2020. Glazing. Chapter submitted for the 19th edition of the Ball Redbook. 6 pp.
• Li, Y., J. Heckman, A. Wyenandt, N. Mattson, E. Durner, and A.J. Both. 2020. Potential benefits of Silicon nutrition to hydroponically grown sweet basil. Submitted for review to HortScience.
• Greenwood, D., R.G. Brumfield, M. Flahive DiNardo, A.J. Both, J.R. Heckman, N. Polanin, A. Rouff, A. Rowe, and R. VanVranken. 2020. Annie’s Project: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe. Submitted for review to the Journal of Extension.
• Llewellyn, D., T.J. Shelford, Y. Zheng, and A.J. Both. 2021. Measuring and reporting lighting characteristics important for controlled environment plant production. Submitted for review to Acta Horticulturae. (The LightSym meeting in Malmö, Sweden was postponed to 2021).
• Shelford, T.J., N. Mattson, and A.J. Both. 2021. A greenhouse daily light integral control algorithm that takes advantage of day ahead market electricity pricing. Submitted for review to Acta Horticulturae. (The LightSym meeting in Malmö, Sweden was postponed to 2021).

EXPERIMENT STATION:   Pennsylvania

Refereed Journal Articles (Published) 

• Nunes, L., Ciolkosz, D., and T. Causer.   Biomass for energy: a review on supply chain models. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.  120 (2020). 8pp. 
• Jacobson, M., and D. Ciolkosz.   Plantation Forestry and Pellet Production in Kenya.  Biomass and Bioenergy.  135(2020) 105519. 
• Ciolkosz, D., Desplat, J., and K. Schiffer.   Raw, Torrefied, and Alkaline Treated Biomass as a Sorbent for Lead in Water.  Bioresources.  14(4), 8530-8542.   
• Causer, T., and D. Ciolkosz.   Thermal treatment of Biomass for the Circular Economy.  in Nunes, L.J.R., Pimentel, C., Azevedo, S.G. and Matias, J.C.O. (Eds.), “New trends for the biomass energy development: from wood to circular economy”, Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA.
• Chahal, A., and D. Ciolkosz.   A Review of Wood-bark Adhesion: Methods and Mechanics of Debarking for Woody Biomass.  Wood And Fiber Science, 51(3). 12pp. 
• McVey, M., Elkasabi, Y., and D. Ciolkosz.   Separation of BTX chemicals from biomass pyrolysis oils via continuous flash distillation. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. 9(2019)1-9.

Popular Articles (Published) 

• Johnstonbaugh, E., Brockett, D., and D. Ciolkosz.   Landowner Leasing for Utility Scale Solar Farms.  Penn State Renewable and Alternative Energy Fact Sheet Series.  The Pennsylvania State University.  University Park, PA. 

Presentations (Papers) 

• Li, Y., Yi, H., Ciolkosz, D., and V. Puri.   Measurement and Characterization of Temperature and Pressure in the Pelletization Process.  Presented at 2019 ASABE Annual International Meeting.  07-10 July, 2019.  Boston, MA. 
• Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri.   Technoeconomic Analysis for Assessing the Costs Associated with Debarking of Bioenergy Crop: Shrub Willow.  Presented at Ag Equipment Technology Conference 2020, ASABE.  February 10, 2020 - February 12, 2020. 
• Li, Y., Yi, H., Ciolkosz, D., and V, Puri. Measurement and Characterization of Temperature and Pressure in the Pelletization Process.  Presented at the 2019 Drawdown Conference.  16-18 September, 2019.  University Park, PA. 
• Tripathi, J., and D. Ciolkosz.   Effect of Torrefaction on Glucose Yield of Wheat Straw.  Presented at 2019 ASABE Annual International Meeting.  07-10 July, 2019.  Boston, MA. 

Refereed Journal Articles (Pending)

• Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Puri, V., Jacobson, M., and J. Liu.   Mechanical Characteristics of Wood Bark Interface of Shrub Willow.  Industrial Crops and Products.  Submitted for Publication. 
• Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri.   Techno-Economic Analysis for Assessing the Supply Chain Associated with debarking of bioenergy crop: Shrub Willow.  Biomass and Bioenergy.  Submitted for Publication. 
• Memis, B., Ciolkosz, D., Richard, T., and M. Hall.   Impact of Alkali Pretreatment and Torrefaction on Glucose Production From Wheat Straw.  Submitted for Publication.
• Chahal, A., Ciolkosz, D., Jacobson, M., Liu, J., and V. Puri.   Factors Affecting Wood-Bark Adhesion for Debarking of Shrub Willow.  Biosystems Engineering.  Accepted for Publication. 

EXPERIMENT STATION:         Maryland

Dissertations, Theses (Published)

• Choudhury A., 2019. Hydrogen sulfide removal in anaerobic digestion. Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland. December 2019. Advisor: Stephanie Lansing.

Refereed Journal Articles (Published) 

• Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., 2020. Biochar addition with Fe-impregnation to reduce H2S production from anaerobic digestion. Bioresource Technology 306: 123121. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechn.2020.123121.
• Witarsa, F., Yarberry, A., May, P., Kangas, P., Lansing, S., 2020. Complementing energy production with nutrient management: Anaerobic digestion system for algal turf scrubber biomass. Ecological Engineering 143, 105618. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2019.105618.
• Achi, C.G., Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., 2020. Enhanced biogas production of cassava wastewater using zeolite and biochar additives and manure co-digestion. Energies 13(2), 491. doi: 10.3390/en13020491.
• Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., 2019. Methane and hydrogen sulfide production from co-digestion of gummy waste with a food waste, grease waste, and dairy manure mixture. Energies 12 (23), 4464. doi: 10.3390/en12234464.
• Choudhury, A., Shelford, T., Felton, G., Gooch, C., Lansing, S., 2019. Evaluation of hydrogen sulfide scrubbing systems for anaerobic digesters on two dairy farms. Energies 12 (24), 4605. doi:10.3390/en12244605.

Extension Publications (Published) 

• Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., Felton, G., 2020. Poultry litter combustion on the Eastern Shore of Maryland: Case Study. University of Maryland Extension, Fact Sheet.
• Schiavone, D., 2020. Understanding farm energy. University of Maryland Extension, Fact Sheet.

Invited Presentations (without Proceedings)

• Lansing, S., 2020. Bioenergy technologies in the food, water, energy nexus. University of Maryland Global STEWARDS Annual Meeting. College Park, MD. January 24, 2020.
• Lansing, S., 2019. Ecological Engineering and Waste-to-Energy Technologies: Anaerobic Digestion and Algal Turf Scrubbers. Invited Panel. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019.
• Lansing, S., Moss, A., Hassanein, A., Cloyd, N., 2019. Biogas Enhancement & Ammonia Extraction for Increased Revenue in Waste-to-Energy Systems. Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MIE2) Board Meeting. College Park, MD. July 30, 2019.
• Lansing, S., 2019. On-farm anaerobic digestion. Maryland Energy In-Service Training. Ellicott City, MD. October 21, 2019.
• Schiavone, D. 2019. Energy efficiency and conservation priorities. Maryland Energy In-Service Training. Ellicott City, MD. October 21, 2019.

Presentations (without Proceedings) 

• Stephanie Lansing, Hülsemann, B., Choudhury, A., Schueler, J., Lisboa, M.S., Poindexter, C., Oechsner, H., 2019. Food waste co-digestion in Germany and the United States: From lab to full-scale systems and associated policy implications and barriers. American Soc. of Agricultural Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019.
• Lansing, S., Witarsa, F., Yarberry, A., May, P., Kangas, P., Delp, D., 2019. Anaerobic digestion system for algal turf scrubber biomass: Energy production with nutrient uptake for storm water management. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019.
• Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., Moss, A., 2019. Combined anaerobic digestion (AD) and nutrient capture system (NCS) for energy production and nutrients recovery from poultry litter. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019.
• Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., Tikekar, R., 2019. Effect of metal nanoparticles on anaerobic digestion. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Conference. Boston, MA. July 8-10, 2019. 
• Lansing, S., 2019. Grant opportunities and third party verifications. Mid-Atlantic Bioenergy Council Conference. Baltimore, MD. July 8-10, 2019.
• Choudhury, A., Lansing, S., 2019.  Application of anaerobic co-digestion for converting aquaculture waste into energy. Seminar Presentation at The Freshwater Institute. Shepherdstown, WV. October 23, 2019.  
• Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., Moss, A., 2019. Combined anaerobic digestion (AD) and nutrient capture system (NCS) for energy production and nutrients recovery from poultry litter. University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cornerstone Event: Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. College Park, MD. October 29, 2019.

Posters (without Proceedings) 

• Hassanein, A., Lansing, S., Moss, A., 2019, Combined anaerobic digestion (AD) and nutrient capture system (NCS) for energy production and nutrients recovery from poultry litter (poster). University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cornerstone Event: Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. College Park, MD. October 29, 2019.
• Lansing, S., Choudhury, A., Felton, G., Hassanein, A., Moyle, J., 2019. Poultry litter to energy with soil amendments and nutrient removal (poster). University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cornerstone Event: Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. College Park, MD. October 29, 2019.
• Lansing, S., Delp, D., May, P., Kangas, P., Witarsa, F., Yarberry, A., 2019. Algal production to remove nutrients from the Chesapeake Bay with bioenergy production at the Port of Baltimore (poster). University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cornerstone Event: Clean and Healthy Chesapeake Bay. College Park, MD. October 29, 2019.
• Schiavone, D., Montross, M., 2019. Heat and mass transfer modeling in baled switchgrass. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Boston, MA. July 7 - 10, 2019.
• Schiavone, D., Montross, M., 2019. Moisture measurement of switchgrass via time-domain reflectometry. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Boston, MA. July 7 - 10, 2019.
• Schiavone, D., Montross, M., 2019. Thermophysical properties of baled switchgrass. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Boston, MA. July 7 - 10, 2019.

Other Creative Works

Reports

• Lansing, S., Moss, A., Hassanein, A., Cloyd, N., 2020. Biogas Enhancement & Ammonia Extraction for Increased Revenue in Waste-to-Energy Systems. Final Report to Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MIE2). 15 pages.
• Anchor QEA, Lansing, S., 2019. Integrated algal flow-way, digester, and fuel cell demonstration project, 2019. Final Report. Prepared for US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Environmental Service. 157 pages.
• Lansing, S., Choudhury, A., 2019. Quantifying and demonstrating scrubbing H2S from farm-based anaerobic digestion systems. Final Report to NE SARE. 23 pages.
• Lansing, S., Choudhury, A., Felton, G., 2019. Fluidized bed combustion of poultry litter demonstration project. Final Report to Maryland Department of Agriculture. 15 pages.
• Lansing, S., Felton, G., Hassanein, A., 2019. Maryland Net Metering Code and Anaerobic Digestion Technology. Submitted to Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland Energy Administration. 3 pages.
• Lansing, S., Izursa, J.L., 2019. Waste to Energy: Gasification of Poultry Litter. Final Report to Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS). 16 pages.

Workshop Sponsor

• Schiavone, D. Energy In-Service, University of Maryland Extension. Ellicott City, MD. October 21, 2019. 45 participants.

Workshop Speaker

• Schiavone, D., 2019. Electric and Gas-Powered Hand Tools and Small Farm Equipment, Cultivate Baltimore. Baltimore, MD. August 15, 2019. 15 attendees.
• Schiavone, D., 2019. Identifying Agricultural Energy Priorities and Energy Extension Programs. Western Maryland Resource Conservation and Development Council. Keedysville, MD. December 11, 2019. 20 attendees.

EXPERIMENT STATION: Wisconsin

Refereed Journal Articles (Published) 

• Mondaca MR, CY Choi, NB Cook (2019) Understanding microenvironments within tunnel-ventilated dairy cow freestall facilities: Examination using computational fluid dynamics and experimental validation, Biosystems Engineering183, 70-84.
• Zhou B, X Wang, MR Mondaca, L Rong, CY Choi (2019) Assessment of optimal airflow baffle locations and angles in mechanically ventilated dairy houses using computational fluid dynamics, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 165, 1-11.
• Rojano F, PE Bournet, M Hassouna, P Robin, M Kacira, CY Choi (2019) Modelling the impact of air discharges caused by natural ventilation in a poultry house,Biosystems Engineering180, 168-181.
• Chung HW, J Li , YH Kim, JMC Van Os, SH Brounts, CY Choi (in review) Using Implantable Biosensor and Wearable Scanners to Monitor Dairy Cattle Heat Stress in Real-Time, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.
• Wang, H., R. A. Larson, and T. Runge. "Impacts to hydrogen sulfide concentrations in biogas when poplar wood chips, steam treated wood chips, and biochar are added to manure-based anaerobic digestion systems." Bioresource Technology Reports 7 (2019)

Extension Publications (Published) 

• Kar, Shiba, (2018) Biogas in Wisconsin: Status, opportunities and challenges, Center for Land Use Education / University of Wisconsin Extension. https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/clue/Pages/Biogas-in-WI.aspx

Popular Articles (Published) 

• Energy On Wisconsin – Monthly newsletter about renewable energy issues, policy, incentives, local energy projects, clean energy jobs, national projects and policy. Editor: Sherrie Gruder (https://energyonwi.extension.wisc.edu/)

Invited Presentations (without Proceedings)

• BSE Boot Camp – S. Sanford, Presentation – Drying wet grain & Keeping Crop fresh for Market, October 30, 2019 - 10 attendee

Conference Presentation (with proceeding)

• Sanford, D. Bohnhoff, (2019) Mint Distillation Condenser Cooling Water Recycling Systems, ASABE Paper No 1900612, ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.
• Sanford, D. Bohnhoff, (2020) Essential Oil Extraction Process Engineering for Improved Energy Efficiency, ASABE Paper No 2001174, ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.

Videos

• Sanford, Refrigeration sizing for a walk-in/drive-in cooler.
• Sanford, What you need to know about wood energy!
• Sanford, Reducing Energy costs for drying grain
• Sanford, How can you compare heating costs of different fuels?
• Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Project – Energy Answers