Evaluation on the Production of Food Crop Straw in China from 2006 to 2014

Abstract

Reducing emission of greenhouse gases and improving energy security are crucial for sustainable development in China. Crop straw, accounting for 38.9% of total biomass resources, is considered an ideal candidate for clean energy production Zhang et al. 1. In this paper, we evaluate the production and distribution of food crop straw in China using a refined crop-to-residue index and collection coefficient methods. This study showed that an estimated 489 million tons of food crop straw was produced in China in 2006, with an estimated 598 million tons produced in 2014. Approximately 59.3% of this straw was produced in central and eastern China. Furthermore, high, middle, and low production areas were classified in this study. The amount of collectable straw increased from 2006 to 2013 and slightly decreased in 2014 to 472 million tons. Based on this estimate, future trends in the amount of food crop straw are proposed. The total straw yield will continuously increase at a small rate, whereas the amount of collectable straw will remain relatively stable due to the development of agricultural mechanization.