Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

The College of New Caledonia is partnering PRT Growing Services Ltd., Bionera Resources Inc. and Sylvis Environmental Services Inc. to research the effect of off-grid irrigation and biosolids fertilization on willow energy crops. There are several applications of the fast growing and easily propagated willow plantations: (i) environmental solutions for the use of municipal and industrial wastewater, (ii) site remediation of contaminated soils, and (iii) significant production of biomass for renewable energy. This project will benefit Canadian green energy sector with researching ways of diversifying and enhancing energy crop production for establishing long-term supplies of carbon neutral biomass feedstock, while providing environmental solutions for wastewater disposal and land remediation. The College has the opportunity to expand applied research in the field of short-rotation willow coppice, for both energy crop production and waste management projects. College students involved in this study will (i) acquire valuable skills in the fields of intensive forestry practices for energy crop production and clean energy technology, (ii) gain knowledge and training in the area of residuals management and its economic and environmental implications on regional and national scale, and (iii) have the opportunity to exercise marketing a unique product: willow cuttings for vegetative propagation used to establish willow plantations for biomass or soil remediation projects