Students complete capstone projects at BCRF

This fall the BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) supported two capstone projects. The student teams were allowed to use space, tools and other equipment needed to complete their projects. Below is a summary of the projects.

BioCentury Research Farm Greenhouse

Project Summary: Conduct a system analysis of the BCRF's greenhouse HVAC system to determine the proper cooling load.
Course: ME 415
Students: Elli Abel, Lauren Griffin, Sam Slagle and Matt Vest

Wastewater Monitoring and Documentation

Project Summary: Design a water monitoring system to measure the water pumped into the slurry storage tank from an underground tank.
Course: ABE 415
Students: Cheng Pan, Yuanqing Fang and Nathan Schmidt

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Bale study to determine best storage practices for grasses

Long-term bale storage studies have begun to determine the effects of outdoor weather conditions on individually wrapped round grass bales. The study will last for a minimum of one year and will provide data to determine the feasibility of this type of storage to maintain feedstock quality. The project will help private industry determine best storage practices for warm weather grasses.

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Stover storage study continues at BCRF

Studies on stover bale storage continue at BCRF. Stacks of bales assembled on gravel under tarp will be studied over the next year to determine the effects of various configurations on feedstock quality. Periodic sampling will occur to measure these effects over time.

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Visitors tour BCRF

BCRF had the following visitors: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Alliant Energy, BIOL 487: Microbial Ecology students, Idaho National Laboratory, International Farmers Aid Association, Iowa Area Development Group, Iowa Army National Guard, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Economic Development Authority, MidAmerican Energy and the University of Iowa.