Robertson, B.A., P. Doran, R. Robertson and D.A. Schemske
Presented at the GLBRC Sustainability Retreat (2010-02-10 to 2010-02-12 )
Increasing global demand for energy coupled with reduced fossil fuel availability has spurred increased interest in the development of biofuels as source of renewable energy, yet the ecological sustainability of alternative biofuel feedstocks remains unclear. Cellulosic ethanol production from perennial crops such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) promises increased energy efficiency and enhanced ecological sustainability, yet there is limited published information available linking changes in biodiversity to agricultural land-use associated with biofuel crops. A meta-analysis of vertebrate responses to contemporary biofuel crops in North America reveals that expansion of corn and woody biomass crops will likely result in reduced bird and mammalian diversity and abundance. I empirically investigated the relative ability of contemporary (corn) and second generation cellulosic feed stocks (switchgrass and mixed-grass prairie) to support avian and arthropod communities in southern Michigan. Results demonstrate that widespread conversion of corn to switchgrass or mixed-grass prairie acreage will have measurable biodiversity benefits for grassland birds and arthropods. Because avian and arthropod communities respond to different habitat variables at different spatial scales, simultaneously optimizing biodiversity and associated ecosystem services for these different groups may only be possible at large spatial scales.
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