Grass Management to minimize corrosion potential

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Grass Management to minimize corrosion potential
Alkali metals (K, Na), Chlorine (Cl), Sulfur (S),
and Silica are the major culprits.
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Range in Concentrations Sulfur
0.07-0.15 Silica 1-4 Alkali
metals 0.2-2.0 Chlorine 0.01-0.5
Unproblematic combustion Chlorine 0.10 or
less Sulfur 0.10 or less
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Factors affecting K, Cl, S, Silica content of
grasses
Soil type Time of harvest Fertilizer rate and
type Thickness of stems Stemleaf ratio Water use
efficiency (C3 vs C4) RainfallEvaporation ratio
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From a corrosion potential standpointChlorine
and Potassium are critical,and the most readily
leached out.
Leached grasses, cut and left in thefield for a
period, prior to baling K
0.50 Cl 0.05
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Factors affecting K and Cl content of grasses
Soil concentration of K and Cl. Rate of K
fertilizer applied. Type of K fertilizer applied
(KCl). K and Cl concentration at maturity. Rate
and duration of leaching after maturity or
after mowing.
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Biomass Quality of Switchgrass vs. Wood Pellets
and Wheat Straw

• Source Samson et al., 2005

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Ash and Energy Content of Overwintered
Switchgrass
Source Samson et al., 2005
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Grass Management to minimize corrosion potential

• Use warm-season grass.
• Overwinter biomass in field.
• Mow and leave in field to leach.

Or, design appliances that resist corrosion.
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The End