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Switchgrass quality is another important trait affecting efficient biofuel production. Lignocellulose yield is important for fermentation and gasifi cation processes and is favored by fall harvest due to the high biomass yields. For direct combustion as pellets, spring harvest is favored due to its lower mineral concentration because of leaching during winter. Moisture should be 15 percent or less to facilitate baling and transportation. This also ensures a higher quality feedstock. Switchgrass that is co-fi red in coal plants is burned at a moisture percentage of 12 to 13 percent. As with hay, the lower the moisture content, the higher the handling losses while swathing and baling.
