Title: Recognizing economic value in multifunctional buffers in the lower Mississippi river basin: The value proposition of multi-functional riparian buffers

Abstract

Integrating conservation practices with bioenergy has been recommended as a promising strategy to improve bioeconomy and water quality but the literature on the economics of this strategy is limited. This study evaluated the value proposition of reducing nutrient loss from cropland by implementing switchgrass riparian buffers in the Lower Mississippi River Basin (LMRB). Nutrient loss was simulated by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool. The value proposition of nutrient abatement was quantified by estimating (1) value of trapped nutrients as fertilizer and (2) potential net returns of harvesting switchgrass as bioenergy feedstock at different farm-gate prices. Results suggest that switchgrass buffers may reduce mean annual total nitrogen and total phosphorus loads from cropland in the LMRB by 23% and 31%, respectively. The value of trapped nutrients is considerable (mean = $69 ha^-1 year^-1) but far less than the cost of implementing a switchgrass buffer (mean = 163 dollars ha^-1 year-1). At biomass prices of 20 dollars, 40 dollars, 60 dollars, and 80 dollars per dry-ton, mean net returns of switchgrass buffers (without considering land-use change from cropland to buffers) were estimated to be around -66 dollars, 199 dollars, 463 dollars, and 727 dollars ha^-1 year^-1, respectively. Total net returnsmore » for the LMRB may be reduced by 20% if switchgrass is grown without the addition of commercial fertilizer. The results highlight the potential of switchgrass buffers for improving water sustainability of both agricultural and bioenergy production. The value proposition of switchgrass buffers is nevertheless sensitive to future feedstock price. The impact of fertilizer prices change and forgone income on benefit analysis is also presented.« less

Authors:

Xu, Hui  ^[1];

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Wu, May ^[1]; Ha, Miae ^[1]

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1. Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont Illinois 60439 USA

Publication Date:

Fri Aug 31 00:00:00 EDT 2018

Research Org.:

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

OSTI Identifier:

1467920

Alternate Identifier(s):

OSTI ID: 1467922; OSTI ID: 1493898

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC02-06CH11357

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefining

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefining Journal Volume: 13 Journal Issue: 1; Journal ID: ISSN 1932-104X

Publisher:

Wiley

Country of Publication:

United Kingdom

Language:

English

Subject:

09 BIOMASS FUELS; riparian buffer; bioenergy; economics; nutrient retention; water quality