Phytotechnology with Biomass Production: Sustainable Management of Contaminated Sites

This book explains the concept of using phytotechnology with biomass production to improve soil quality and restore contaminated sites to a useful state that has economic and social value. It is focused on the application of second generation biofuel crops, primarily miscanthus, to slightly contaminated or marginal post-military and post-mining soils. Based on recent and ongoing research from the United States, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland, along with case studies from other countries, this is the first comprehensive book on using phytotechnology with biomass production at contaminated sites at a global level. Features: Focused on an important topic of a growing global activity: soil improvement through biomass production. Includes case-studies and success stories from different countries on application of miscanthus phytotechnology to sites differently contaminated by trace elements, pesticides and petroleum products. Discusses peculiarities of miscanthus production on post-military and post-mining contaminated land, impact of plant growth regulators, soil amendments, fertilizers and biochar to the process. Introduces soil fauna as indicators of soil health during miscanthus phytotechnology application. Presents miscanthus value chain associated with processing of miscanthus biomass to different bioproducts. While written primarily for faculty, students, research scientist, environmental and agricultural professionals, gardeners, farmers, landowners, and government officials, this book also has value for all who are working on phytotechnology projects to reduce risk and/or improve soil quality at contaminated sites. It is also a great new resource for those who are new to the topics and want to learn to apply phytotechnologies and biomass production with its further converting to energy and bioproducts.