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ARS Home Office of Communications Images Photos Sep12





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Image Number D2231-1 **Caption for September 2012 *Agricultural Research* magazine article, "ARS and the Regional Biomass Research Centers."**Geneticist Ken Vogel (background) and technician Steven Masterson examine near-infrared reflectance spectral profiles of switchgrass samples. Vogel worked with a team of ARS scientists to develop the first near-infrared sensing method for measuring 20 switchgrass components—including cell wall sugars, soluble sugars, and lignin—which can be used to determine the potential yield of cellulosic ethanol from switchgrass biofeedstock. **Caption for August 2011 *Agricultural Research* magazine article, "Predicting Switchgrass Ethanol Yields."**Biological technician Steven Masterson (left) and geneticist Ken Vogel examine the near-infrared reflectance spectral profiles of switchgrass samples collected from switchgrass bales. The near-infrared sensing calibration equations developed for determining switchgrass composition and ethanol conversion are being used to determine the effects of switchgrass bale storage conditions on ethanol conversion. Masterson is holding a sample ring with the ground switchgrass sample.  Photo by Stephen Ausmus.  640 pixels wide: (d2231-1.jpg)   Please visit our Image Gallery


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