scholarly journals Induced Land Use Emissions due to First and Second Generation Biofuels and Uncertainty in Land Use Emission Factors

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Taheripour ◽  
Wallace E. Tyner
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Emission Factors ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Second Generation Biofuels ◽  
Dedicated Energy Crops ◽  
First And Second Generation

Much research has estimated induced land use changes (ILUCs) and emissions for first generation biofuels. Relatively little has provided estimates for the second generation biofuels. This paper estimates ILUC emissions for the first and second generation biofuels. Estimated ILUC emissions are uncertain not only because their associated land use changes are uncertain, but also because of uncertainty in the land use emission factors (EFs). This paper also examines uncertainties related to these factors. The results suggest that converting crop residues to biofuel has no significant ILUC emissions, but that is not the case for dedicated energy crops. Use of dedicated energy crops transfers managed natural land and marginal land (cropland-pasture) to crop production. Producing biogasoline from miscanthus generates the lowest land requirement among alterative pathways. The largest land requirement is associated with switchgrass. The difference is due largely to the assumed yields of switchgrass and miscanthus. The three major conclusions from uncertainty in emissions analyses are (1) inclusion or exclusion of cropland-pasture makes a huge difference; (2) changes in soil carbon sequestration due to changes in land cover vegetation play an important role; and (3) there is wide divergence among the emission factor sources, especially for dedicated crop conversion to ethanol.

Microalgal Biofuels Beat the First and Second Generation Biofuels

2012 ◽  
Vol 197 ◽  
pp. 760-763
Author(s):  
Lian Dong Zhu ◽  
Erkki Hiltunen ◽  
Josu Takala
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Second Generation Biofuels ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Photosynthesis Efficiency ◽  
Food Crop Production ◽  
First And Second Generation

Recently biofuels derived from biomass have received increased concerns in an attempt to search for sustainable development. The first and second generation biofuels are unsustainable since the growth of these food or non-food crops for biofuel generation will compete for limited arable farmlands, thus increasing the risks on food availability. Microalgal biofuels, known as the third generation biofuels, have the potential for sustainable production in an economically effective manner. The advantages of microalgae as a biofuel feedstock are many, for instance, high photosynthesis efficiency, high oil content and noncompetition with food crop production on farmlands. Microalgae can be employed for the production of biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, biohydrogen, among others. The integrated biorefinery approach has huge potential to greatly improve the economics of biofuel production from microalgae. However, the production of microalgal biofuels is still at pre-commercial stages since it is expensive to produce substantial amount of biofuels at a large scale. Despite this, microalgae are still the most promising and best feedstock available for the biofuels. Biotechnology advances including genetic and metabolic engineering, well-funded R&D researches and policy support can make microalgal biofuels have a bright future.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Effect of Perennial Energy Crops and Arable Crops on Earthworm Populations

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feledyn-Szewczyk ◽  
Radzikowski ◽  
Stalenga ◽  
Matyka
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Species Number ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Perennial Energy Crops

The purpose of the study was to compare earthworm communities under winter wheat in different crop production systems on arable land—organic (ORG), integrated (INT), conventional (CON), monoculture (MON)—and under perennial crops cultivated for energy purposes—willow (WIL), Virginia mallow (VIR), and miscanthus (MIS). Earthworm abundance, biomass, and species composition were assessed each spring and autumn in the years 2014–2016 using the method of soil blocks. The mean species number of earthworms was ordered in the following way: ORG > VIR > WIL > CON > INT > MIS > MON. Mean abundance of earthworms decreased in the following order: ORG > WIL > CON > VIR > INT > MIS > MON. There were significantly more species under winter wheat cultivated organically than under the integrated system (p = 0.045), miscanthus (p = 0.039), and wheat monoculture (p = 0.002). Earthworm abundance was significantly higher in the organic system compared to wheat monoculture (p = 0.001) and to miscanthus (p = 0.008). Among the tested energy crops, Virginia mallow created the best habitat for species richness and biomass due to the high amount of crop residues suitable for earthworms and was similar to the organic system. Differences in the composition of earthworm species in the soil under the compared agricultural systems were proven. Energy crops, except miscanthus, have been found to increase earthworm diversity, as they are good crops for landscape diversification.

scholarly journals Analysis of Areas and Prospects for the Use of Agrobiomass for Energy Production in Ukraine

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Zheliezna ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Agricultural Residues ◽  
Energy Crops ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Energy Wood ◽  
Biomass Potential

Purpose of the study is to assess the current and prospective energy potential of agribiomass (agricultural residues and energy crops) in Ukraine, to determine its main components and the most effective areas of their use. Methods. The assessment of the current potential of agribiomass is performed using official statistics on crop production in Ukraine. Based on these data, the total amount of crop residues formed and their share available for energy needs is determined. When assessing the potential of energy crops, it is assumed that they are grown on 2 million hectares of unused agricultural land, the total area of which is up to 4 million hectares in Ukraine. The study of the prospective potential of biomass is performed for 2050, based on key growth factors, such as increasing yield of crops, especially cereals; doubling the area under energy crops and increasing their yields, etc. Results of the assessment show that according to 2018 data, the total bioenergy potential in Ukraine is more than 23 Mtoe (the economic potential). Its largest components are agricultural residues (44%) and energy crops (32%). Expert estimates suggest that by 2050, the biomass potential could increase to more than 47.5 Mtoe/yr, in other words almost to double. Forecasting the structure and directions of use of biomass potential by 2050 shows that about 20 Mtoe of biomass/biofuels of the following types will be consumed for energy: wood biomass, primary and secondary agricultural residues, energy crops, biogas/biomethane from different types of raw materials, liquid biofuels (biodiesel, bioethanol). Conclusions. Areas of use of biomass/biofuels include the production of heat and electricity from solid biofuels, obtaining of biogas and biomethane, as well as the production of motor biofuels (biomethane, biodiesel, bioethanol). In the near future, it is considered necessary to develop a long-term strategy for the development of bioenergy in Ukraine, taking into account results of the study. In turn, the basic figures of the bioenergy development strategy can be used for the elaboration of the updated Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2050.

Global land-use implications of first and second generation biofuel targets

Energy Policy ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 5690-5702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Havlík ◽  
Uwe A. Schneider ◽  
Erwin Schmid ◽  
Hannes Böttcher ◽  
Steffen Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Global Land ◽  
First And Second Generation ◽  
Generation Biofuel

scholarly journals Why organic farming is not the way forward

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Kirchmann
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Yield Gap ◽  
Environmental Consequences

The aim of this article is to provide information about crop production data based on large-scale organic farming and to point toward major consequences. National statistics show lower organic yields than compiled in meta-analyses from farm- and plot-scale. Yields of organically cropped legumes were 20% and nonlegumes 40% lower than those of conventionally grown crops. Area estimates showed that almost two of three crops were legumes or legume mixtures in organic farming, whereas one of three crops was a legume in conventional cropping. Doubling land use for legumes in organic farming affected the type of food produced, being dominated by milk products and red meat. Over all crops, the organic yield gap was 35%. Since yields are lower under organic than conventional practices, more land is required to produce the same amount of agricultural crops. A 35% yield gap means that 50% more arable land is required. A demand for 50% more farmland imposes huge land use changes and makes one realize the wide-ranging environmental consequences that follow when converting to organic farming. In a relevant comparison between organic and conventional cropping systems, environmental consequences caused by land use change such as lost products (timber, fiber, energy, etc.) and lost ecosystem services (sequestered carbon in soil, wildlife, biodiversity, etc.) must be included. The concept of organic farming was founded on philosophical views about nature, not biological science. Natural means and methods were assumed to be superior. Verification of the reasoning and statements of the founders on why to abandon mineral fertilizers cannot be corroborated by science and is incorrect. Scientific evidence for the concept to abandon synthetic mineral fertilizers as nutrients for crops is lacking. The scientific community is obliged to follow rigorous scientific criteria—not biased views, prejudices, or beliefs.

scholarly journals Land Use Change and Policy in Iowa’s Loess Hills

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaurav Arora ◽  
Peter T. Wolter ◽  
David A. Hennessy ◽  
Hongli Feng
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
State Level ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Loess Hills ◽  
Data Layers

<p class="sar-body"><span lang="EN-US">Land use changes have important implications on ecosystems and society. Detailed identification of the nature of land use changes in any local region is critical for policy design. In this paper, we quantify land use change in Iowa’s Loess Hills ecoregion, which contains much of the state’s remaining prairie grasslands. We employ two distinct panel datasets, the National Resource Inventory data and multi-year Cropland Data Layers, that allow us to characterize spatially-explicit land use change in the region over the period 1982-2010. We analyze land use trends, land use transitions and crop rotations within the ecoregion, and contrast these with county and state-level changes. To better comprehend the underlying land use changes, we evaluate our land use characterizing metrics conditional on soil quality variables such as slope and erodibility. We also consider the role of contemporary agricultural policy and commodity markets to seek explanations for land use changes during the period of our study. Although crop production has expanded on the Loess Hills landform since 2005, much of the expansion in corn acres has been from reduced soybean acreage. We find that out of the total 258 km<sup>2</sup> increase in corn acreage during 2005-’10, about 100 km<sup>2</sup> transitioned from soybeans. Data also indicate intensifying monoculture with higher percentage of corn plantings for two to four consecutive years during 2000-’10. In addition, crop production is found to have moved away from more heavily sloped land. Cropping does not appear to have increased on lands with higher crop productivity.</span></p>

scholarly journals An Evaluation of Risk-Based Agricultural Land-Use Adjustments under a Flood Management Strategy in a Floodplain

Hydrology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq ◽  
Zohreh Rajabi ◽  
Nitin Muttil
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Flood Risk ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Flood Management ◽  
Gis Data ◽  
Structural Measures ◽  
Expected Annual Damage

Agricultural damage due to floods in the Indus basin’s fertile land has been the most damaging natural disaster in Pakistan so far. Earthen dikes are protecting the vast areas of the floodplain from regular flooding. However, the floodplain is attractive to farmers due to its fertility and experiences regular crop production within and out of the dike area. This paper evaluates the flood risk in a floodplain of the Chenab river in Pakistan and recommends land-use changes to reduce the flood risk for crops and associated settlements within the study area. The objective of the land-use change is not just to reduce flood losses but also to increase the overall benefits of the floodplain in terms of its Economic Rent (ER). This preliminary study analyses the economic impacts of the risk-based land-use improvements on existing floodplain land uses. Expected Annual Damage (EAD) maps were developed using hydrodynamic models and GIS data. The developed model identified the areas where maize can be economically more productive compared to rice under flood conditions. Promising results were obtained for the settlement relocations. It was also observed that the infra-structure, running parallel to the river, plays a significant role in curtailing the extent of floods. The results show that a combination of structural and non-structural measures proves more effective. The study also recommends the inclusion of social and environmental damages as well as other types of non-structural measures to develop the most effective flood management strategy.

scholarly journals Integrating Biophysical and Sociocultural Methods for Identifying the Relationships between Ecosystem Services and Land Use Change: Insights from an Oasis Area

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hejie Wei ◽  
Weiguo Fan ◽  
Nachuan Lu ◽  
Zihan Xu ◽  
Huiming Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Water Yield ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Primary Driver ◽  
Oasis Area

Identifying the relationships between ecosystem services (ESs) and land use change is crucial for ES management and sustainable regional development. The Manas region in China has witnessed dramatic reclamation activities in its desert areas that resulted in ecological problems. The changes in eight ESs, including crop production (CP), livestock production (LP), soil conservation (SC), water yield (WY), sand fixation (SF), carbon sequestration (CS), habitat quality (HQ), and nature landscape recreation (NLR), were investigated by using biophysical and questionnaire methods. At the regional scale, provisioning services (i.e., CP and LP) showed some performance improvements, whereas most of the regulating services (i.e., WY, CS, and HQ) along with NLR showed a performance decline. Five ES bundles—Upper Mountain, Foothill, Oasis, Oasis–Desert Transition, and Desert bundle—were identified at the township scale via k-means clustering. From 2000 to 2015, the Oasis bundle sprawled as a result of oasisization, whereas the Oasis–Desert Transition and Foothill bundles decreased. We performed a questionnaire survey and a statistical analysis to identify the causes behind the performance improvement/decline of these ESs and found that the land use changes in the Manas region had a significant impact on these services. More than 50% of the survey respondents identified land use changes as the primary driver of the changes in some ESs (i.e., CP, CS, HQ, and NLR). In the correlation and partial correlation analyses, oasisization was significantly and positively correlated with CP but was negatively correlated with WY, CS, HQ, and NLR. We enhanced the reliability of our conclusions by integrating biophysical and sociocultural methods into our investigation of ES and land use change. In view of the huge losses in regulating and cultural services, the Manas region should limit its desert reclamation activities to control the expansion of its oasis and to improve the quality of its cropland. Our results can help formulate effective ES management and land use decisions in the Manas region or similar areas.

scholarly journals Examination of first generation biofuel production in some selected biofuel producing countries in Europe: A case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 469-476
Author(s):  
Katalin Takács-György ◽  
Anett Lászlók ◽  
István Takács
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Logistic Function ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
The Eu

The EU is committed to increasing the use of renewable energy sources. In the sector of transportation, the share of renewable energy is to reach 10% by 2020 and 14% by 2030, respectively, in the EU. According to the latest forecasts, the production of the first-generation biofuels made from food raw materials is showing a declining tendency in the main European producing countries. Therefore, the objective of our research is to forecast the production of some selected biofuel producing countries within the EU as well as the traditional biofuel production in Hungary. The question of land use changes due to the new regulations is crucial. Our examinations were carried out by using Verhulst’s logistic function based on the biofuel production data of EUROSTAT. The function has already reached the saturation level in Germany, France and Sweden but in the case of other examined countries, biofuel production is also in the phase of slowing growth. Furthermore, findings are also justified by the 2015 regulation that restricts the share of producing first-generation biofuels in the final energy consumption to 7% and promotes the production of advanced biofuels, thereby decreasing the indirect change in land use and increasing sustainable crop production.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document