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Decades of tree and biomass research jointly conducted by Florida Statue University
and Shell Energy have resulted in the planting of the largest single �Energy Crop
Plantation� in the entire United States. This Plantation spans approximately 130
acres and is home to over 250,000 planted trees including cottonwoods (native to
the area) and eucalyptus (which are non-invasive) along with various row crops such
as soybeans. This organization of �super trees� was brought into being as a result
of the University's joint research with other agencies including Shell, the US
Department of Energy, the Common Purpose Institute, and groups of various
individuals who are working to develop alternative energy sources (those not
dependent on fossil fuels) for the future. This research is focused on the planting
and processing of biomass energy supplies from fast-growing crops known as �closed
loop biomass� or simply �energy crops�. The project seeks to develop �power plants�
such as wood-pulp or wood-fiber providing plants; clean biogas to be used by
industries; plants such as surgarcane which can be used for ethanol development;
and crops such as soybeans for biodiesel fuel production.