Shawn Ashkan, Dave Goorahoo, Florence Cassel S., and Diganta Adhikari. California State University, Fresno, 5370 N. Chestnut Ave. M/S OF18, Fresno, CA 93740
Ethanol production is growing in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV), which is one of the most productive agricultural areas of California. Ethanol production facilities are expected to produce more than one million tons of CO2 annually, which will be vented directly into the atmosphere if not captured and sequestered or used for beneficial purposes. For example, CO2 can be applied in agricultural cropping systems to increase crop yield and water use efficiency. Our previous studies indicate a 65 percent increase in total yield and a positive impact on water use efficiency for tomato crops grown in the region when exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. In this presentation, we will outline the technology used to deliver the CO2 in open fields and summarize the research conducted to date. We will also discuss the potential of capturing CO2 emissions from ethanol production facilities and the application of such technology to agricultural systems in the SJV.