The Miscanthus Grass Field near the Hawkeye Commuter Lot is an important part of the University of Iowa's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable land use. Planted in 2015, this field grows miscanthus, a resilient, non-invasive perennial grass used as a local biomass fuel source for campus energy production. The field demonstrates how landscapes can support both infrastructure and environmental goals while remaining productive for many years with a single planting.
Miscanthus grown at this site is harvested seasonally and incorporated into biomass fuel that helps reduce the university's reliance on coal. Research shows that miscanthus provides environmental benefits such as reduced soil erosion, lower carbon emissions, and improved habitat for pollinators and wildlife. In addition to its environmental role, the miscanthus field serves as a visible example of innovation on campus. Managed in collaboration with local growers and researchers, the site highlights how Iowa's agriculture can help power the university while strengthening the economy and providing research opportunities for students.
Living Lab Features
Below are some of the special features of this living lab that offer unique teaching, learning, and research opportunities.
Learn About Miscanthus
What is Miscanthus?
- Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) is a perennial biomass energy crop used to produce renewable energy.
- It is a non-invasive, sterile hybrid that grows up to 12 feet tall and remains productive for 15 years or more after a single planting.
- Miscanthus thrives in cool climates and poor soils and produces twice as much biomass as switchgrass.
Benefits of Miscanthus
- Maintains year-round soil cover, reducing erosion and nutrient runoff.
- Lowers net carbon emissions by storing carbon in soils.
- Supports pollinator and wildlife habitat.
- Requires fewer inputs than annual row crops.
- Keeps energy dollars in Iowa and supports local agricultural economies.
How Miscanthus Is Used for Energy
- Harvested annually, typically in January or February.
- Processed into biomass energy pellets by Convergen Energy.
- Pellets are an EPA-designated non-waste alternative fuel with lower emissions than coal.
- Used to generate electricity, steam, and chilled water for the UI campus.
Miscanthus Across Iowa
- Initial commercial plantings began with 360 acres.
- UI now contracts with AgGrowTech to grow approximately 1,100 acres across eastern Iowa.
- Long-term goal: 2,500 acres producing 22,500 tons of renewable fuel annually.
- Provides a stable income option for farmers, especially on marginal land.
For Instructors:
This living lab provides a valuable resource for instructors at the University of Iowa and beyond to enhance their educational objectives. Our team has identified specific connections to a diverse array of academic disciplines. Instructors are encouraged to bring their students to the site to engage with these curricular linkages firsthand, fostering experiential learning. Additionally, students are invited to utilize the space for research and exploration, allowing them to deepen their understanding of the interplay between nature and their field of study.
Curricular Connections
Environmental Science
Analyze miscanthus as a perennial biomass crop, focusing on carbon sequestration, soil health, and erosion reduction.
Monitor seasonal growth, harvest cycles, and biomass yield to evaluate renewable energy potential.
Compare miscanthus to other bioenergy crops and fossil fuels in terms of life-cycle emissions and environmental trade-offs.
Engineering & Energy Systems
Study how biomass fuels are integrated into power plants originally designed for coal.
Evaluate the efficiency and emissions of biomass energy pellets compared to coal and natural gas.
Agriculture & Crop Sciences
Investigate miscanthus growth requirements, productivity on marginal soils, and long-term field management.
Examine the economic viability of miscanthus as an alternative crop for Iowa farmers.
Explore harvesting strategies and their impacts on machinery, labor, and fuel efficiency.
Economics & Public Policy
Analyze the role of locally grown biomass in redirecting fuel spending back into Iowa's economy
Study state and institutional policies that support renewable energy and biofuel adoption.
Research public-private partnerships in large-scale infrastructure and energy transitions.
Geographic Information Systems
Map miscanthus plantings across campus and eastern Iowa to explore spatial relationships between agricultural landscapes, energy infrastructure, and urban systems.
Use GIS tools to model potential reductions in carbon emissions and nutrient runoff.
Communications, Journalism, & Media
Create interpretive signage, web content, or videos explaining how miscanthus helps power campus.
Analyze how renewable energy projects are communicated to public audiences and stakeholders.
Teaching & Experiential Learning
Use the miscanthus field as an outdoor classroom to connect theory with real-world energy systems.
Design interdisciplinary lessons linking ecology, agriculture, engineering, and climate action.
Engage students in data collection, observation, and analysis related to campus sustainability efforts.
Assignment Development
Discussion Questions
How does growing miscanthus as a dedicated energy crop challenge traditional assumptions about agriculture and energy production in Iowa? What trade-offs does this approach present?
In what ways does the University of Iowa’s use of biomass differ from other university energy transitions, such as switching to natural gas or purchasing renewable energy credits?
How should universities balance land use for infrastructure, research, and environmental goals when implementing large-scale sustainability projects?
Interpretive Prompts
Observe the field’s location adjacent to parking and transportation infrastructure. Reflect on how placing an energy landscape in a visible, everyday campus setting influences public understanding of renewable energy.
Analysis Prompts
Analyze the life cycle of miscanthus as a biomass fuel, from planting and harvesting to pellet production and energy generation. Compare its carbon footprint to coal or natural gas using available data.
Use spatial or land-use data to evaluate how marginal or underutilized land on campus can be repurposed for renewable energy production. Propose additional sites and justify your selections.
Miscanthus Grass Field Stakeholders
Click below to search a directory of caretakers, researchers, stakeholders, and people involved with the Miscanthus Grass Field.
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