Bhardwaj, A.K., S.K. Hamilton and G.P. Robertson
Presented at the GLBRC Sustainability Retreat (2010-02-10 to 2010-02-12 )
We are studying water use and production efficiency of biofuel crops at different stages and over a prolonged period of cultivation, revealing patterns of water replenishment and use, and potential water limitations to biomass accumulation. Our studies are based at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC)intensive site and Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site at W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. The goal of our study is to analyze the production of different biofuel crops in light of potential limitations and strengths with regard to water use and efficiency. More specifically, we are looking at: a) water budgets for the biofuel cropping systems under different managements, b) potential for water limitation of biomass production, c) water quality impacts of long- term biofuel crop cultivation, d) comparison of alternative biofuels production systems in regard to water use efficiency and impacts on water quantity, and e) water use scenarios at different stages of biofuel crops especially grasses.Until unless biofuel feed stocks are grown in a manner that enhances soil and water resources, water consumption for feedstock growth may be the limiting factor for bioenergy production in many regions of the United States and the world.
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