Abstract
Low iLUC risk feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic no-food crops, have been indicated as sustainable crops for the transition to a bio-based economy. Given the high output to input ratio and the environmental benefits that can be obtained from renewable heat production replacing fossil fuels, the present study addressed the biomass yield, CO2-sequestration, and life cycle assessment of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter) growing under different soil water availability and nitrogen fertilization for three consecutive growing seasons in a semiarid Mediterranean environment. Giant reed outperformed miscanthus, showed a higher CO2-sequestration and a lower overall environmental impact. In case of both crops, the irrigation effect was significant, while the one of nitrogen fertilization was not apparent. While giant reed responded positively to reduced irrigation, compared to its highest level, as the plantation became older, miscanthus needed high water volume to get most out its potential yield. Nonetheless, the growing season had also a significant effect on both crops, mainly when low yields were achieved following the establishment year. Unlike the environmental benefits in the impact categories “non-renewable energy use” and “global warming potential”, environmental burdens concerning ozone depletion, acidification, and eutrophication were observed, indicating that further improvements of the evaluation of impact assessment associated with bioenergy production might be necessary.
Highlights
Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant raw material on earth and bioenergy from lignocellulosic crops can address indirect land use changes emissions and avoid conflict with food markets
Given the high output to input ratio and the environmental benefits that can be obtained from renewable heat production replacing fossil fuels, the present study addressed the biomass yield, CO2-sequestration, and life cycle assessment of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter) growing under different soil water availability and nitrogen fertilization for three consecutive growing seasons in a semiarid Mediterranean environment
The present study focused on a three-year field trial, comparing two perennial grasses—namely, giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter)— under different soil water availability and nitrogen fertilization in a semiarid Mediterranean environment
Summary
In the European Union, high iLUC risk feedstock (first generation crops) has been judged to be unsustainable; nowadays, emphasis is given to bioenergy and biofuels from low iLUC risk feedstock, either by promoting a biomass productivity increase per unit of land used or by growing low input requiring lignocellulosic crops on unused, abandoned, idle lands [1,2]. In the last 40 years, perennial energy grasses have been deeply investigated under countless environmental conditions and agronomic practices [3]. Whereas perennial energy grasses display most of those traits, their improper agronomic management can cause environmental burdens, either directly to the surrounding agroecosystem or indirectly elsewhere [5]. Agricultural practices need to be optimized according to the site-specific environmental conditions and crop requirements to maximize the net environmental benefit
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