Greenhouse and Nursery - Alternative Energy Sources for Heating

There is increased interest in alternative energy sources for heating greenhouses and heated nursery facilties. The following are some of the possibilities:

• Burning biomass grass crops such as switchgrass and miscanthus
• Burning biomass wood crops such as hybrid poplar, willow, and other quick growing species
• Burning recycled wood from construction, demolition, pallets, etc.
• Burning corn and other grains (high price currently)
• Burning spent oils, recycled oil, spent vegetable oils
• Burning biogas from digested organic materials such as manures (methane)
• Heat recovery from commercial composting
• Solar hot water accumulators

I will be writing more about these and other options in the future.

Gordon Johnson, Extension Horticulture Agent, UD, Kent County