Jemrest




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Abstract

J. M. de Mooy. 2007. The non-atmospheric environmental impacts of bioenergy crops. JEMREST 3:176-192.

DOI: 10.4029/2007jemrest3no114

Discussion of the environmental impacts of producing energy fuels from agricultural biomass has focused largely on the atmospheric benefits of reduced greenhouse gases and air pollutant emissions. This paper reviews the non-atmospheric environmental impacts of annual and perennial bioenergy crop cultivation on water quality, soil quality, and biodiversity. Studies of the impacts of bioenergy crop cultivation suggest that perennial crops offer advantages over annual food crops currently grown for bioenergy fuels, particularly in regard to fertilizer and pesticide use and soil erosion. The potential advantages and disadvantages of growing bioenergy crops may vary, however, depending on what types of land use are displaced, the location of bioenergy crops in the context of the agricultural landscape, the limitations of monoculture systems, and the use of conservation farming practices.