Biofuel sustainability: How we can fill the field-to-fuel pipeline?

Jasrotia, P, A.K. Bhardwaj, J. Simmons, S. Vanderwulp, G.P. Robertson

Presented at the All Scientist and GLBRC Sustainability Meeting (2009-05-05 to 2009-05-07 )

Global energy use projections predict that biomass will be an important component of primary energy sources and a main source of renewable energy in the coming decades. Cellulosic crops will be a major component of this biomass. However, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of biofuel cropping systems. Understanding the basis for sustainable biofuel production systems is crucial for the long-term success of these systems. Our overarching objective of the present study is to generate a comprehensive portrait of the production potential as well as environmental implications of the various candidate cropping systems (switchgrass, miscanthus and native prairies) for cellulosic ethanol production. More specifically, we are assessing the production potential of alternative biofuel cropping systems and parameterizing the quantitative models that can be used to simulate the crop growth across larger regions.

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