Crop Residues and Bioenergy Crops Could Boost Biomass Supply but Harm Environment
A new model was created to predict how much cellulosic biomass can be produced in a region by looking at the profitability of growing different crops. The model considers factors like crop rotation, fertilization, and transportation costs. Results show that crop residues like corn stover and wheat straw are the first types of biomass to be supplied. Perennial bioenergy crops like switchgrass and Miscanthus giganteus become profitable to produce at certain prices. Removing crop residues can increase greenhouse gas emissions and reduce water quality, while growing perennial cellulosic biomass crops can reduce emissions and improve water quality compared to current crops.