OMAHA, Neb. -- Nebraska scientists are researching the possibility that switchgrass may be more beneficial than corn for ethanol production.

Switchgrass is a perennial plant native to North American prairies. Its durability and rapid growth has pushed it to the forefront of the biofuel debate.

Some researchers said grass can produce ethanol at four to five times the efficiency of corn. However, other researchers note that the conversion process may use more energy than it produces.

Despite that, they believe the plant could be a big component in the nation's future.

"We're actually targeting switchgrass that will not be irrigated and grown in marginal crop land," said University of Nebraska geneticist Ken Vogel. "So we don't see switchgrass replacing corn," he said.

Some hybrids grow to be 9 feet tall and yield 10 tons per acre.

Vogel said a big bale of the grass can yield 55 gallons of ethanol.

But the process of breaking down the grass into ethanol is different than corn. Biofuel plants in the state would have to make a costly update to make the conversion. But they wouldn't become obsolete, said UNL scientists Rob Mitchell.

Vogel said the grass's potential for energy comes from its cellular walls.

"Basically, we're taking plant cell walls and making them into energy. And that's what horses do and that's what cows do," Vogel said.