Boosting climate change mitigation potential of perennial lignocellulosic crops grown on marginal lands

Martinez-Feria, R. A.; Basso, B.; Kim, S.

doi:10.1088/1748-9326/ac541b

Boosting climate change mitigation potential of perennial lignocellulosic crops grown on marginal lands

Journal Article · Tue Mar 08 23:00:00 EST 2022 · Environmental Research Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac541b· OSTI ID:1863600

Martinez-Feria, R. A. ^[1]; ^[2]; Kim, S. ^[3]

Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI (United States); Michigan State University Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI (United States); Michigan State Univ., Hickory Corners, MI (United States)
Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, MI (United States)

Nitrogen fertilizer (N_F) is a major uncertainty surrounding the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of lignocellulosic biofuels. NF enhances agronomic yields and soil C inputs via plant litters, but results in soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition, soil N₂O fluxes, and a large fossil energy footprint. Thus, whether NF is beneficial or detrimental to the GHG mitigation of biofuels is unknown. Here, we show the potential GHG mitigation of fertilizing switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) at the NF rate that minimizes net GHG emissions across 7.1 million ha of marginal lands in the Midwest US, with long-term production advantages surpassing emitted GHG by 0.66 Mg CO₂e ha^–1 yr^–1 on the aggregate. Marginal lands limited by poor N fertility could see a much greater benefit, but not SOC-rich lands, limited by low precipitation, or short growing seasons. The objectives of maximizing yield and minimizing GHG overlap only in a few environments, suggesting that maximum yield will reduce the climate benefit of cellulosic biofuels.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0018409; FC02-07ER64494

OSTI ID:: 1863600

Journal Information:: Environmental Research Letters, Journal Name: Environmental Research Letters Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 17; ISSN 1748-9326

Publisher:: IOP PublishingCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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