Combined Heat and Biochar
Combined heat and biochar (CHAB) technologies are systems that optimize the combustion of wood residues. The process of combusting biomass for biochar produces not only a high carbon solid prod-uct but also thermal energy that can be used for heating and cooling.
Forest Products Utilization Program
Healthy forests and strong markets are dependent upon active, responsible forest management. Markets for wood and forest products lead to increased timber harvesting and forest management. Active forest management improves the health of Nebraska’s tree and forest resources, making forests sustainable over time.
Great Plains Biochar Initiative
In 2017, the Nebraska Forest Service along with partners Kansas Forest Service, High Plains Biochar, and Wilson Biochar Associates received a USDA-Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant with the goal of enhancing the development of biochar markets throughout the Great Plains. The focus of the project was to provide education and outreach opportunities, along with product development funding for interested individuals, businesses and innovators looking to solve Great Plains problems with biochar.
Green Roofs: Biochar and You
“Green roofs” are an increasingly popular practice that can accomplish a wide variety of jobs in the urban landscape. Whether you are looking for reductions in utility costs, providing habitat for resident and migrating wildlife, or even utilizing your roof for hyper-local food production—there isn’t much a green roof can’t do. However, that is not to say establishing your aerial Eden doesn’t take a bit of preparation. This publication will talk you through the opportunities to incorporate biochar into your green roof. (Photo courtesy of Troy Fedderson)
Heating a Greenhouse with Woody Biomass
Nebraska is home to a large horticulture nursery and greenhouse industry that produces a variety of products including aquatic plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and trees. With over 325 nursery and greenhouse operations growing material “under glass” or some other type of protection, these growers often experience high and seasonally unpredictable heating costs related to fossil fuel use.
Mushrooms in Nebraska
Most of us have probably heard of our friends or neighbors hunting for mushrooms, oftentimes combing woodlands for the elusive morel each spring. As luck would have it, fall is also a great time to find edible mushrooms growing in woodlands across Nebraska. Not all of us can make the time to join the hunt, but the good news is you can still satisfy your culinary curiosity by growing mushrooms at home.
Nebraska Forest Products Industry Economic Contributions
Nebraska has 1.5 million acres of forest land that cover 3 percent of its land base, and most of this forest land can produce commercial timber. The majority, 89 percent, is privately owned; about 5 percent is managed by state and local government, and about 6 percent by the federal government.
Nebraska's Sawmill Industry
Nebraska is home to a small, yet storied forest products industry with many businesses having been in operation for generations. Today, Nebraska’s sawmills produce a variety of wood products to meet the needs of their customers.
Nebraska's Urban Wood Industry
Urban wood is salvaged from tree removal operations typically due to tree mortality, disease, land development, storm damage or other causes. Urban wood utilization promotes the highest and best value use of locally available, wood resources while providing opportunities for economic development.
Redcedar Utilization
Eastern redcedar management has become a topic of much discussion. Identifying utilization and wood products opportunities for redcedar wood will be key to increasing management and reducing its impact on the landscape.