Visualizing feedstock siting in biomass production: Tradeoffs between economic and water quality objectives

摘要: Abstract New domestic, renewable energy resources must be considered to increase security in the U.S. Ethanol production through second-generation (cellulosic) feedstocks will help meet legislative Renewable Fuel Standard, which mandates 36 billion gallons of fuels by 2022. However, conversion cropland cellulosic feedstock goals may have unforeseen environmental consequences. Using Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) outputs and National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) economic data, we conducted a spatial optimization bioenergy introduction into Arkansas White-Red River Basin based on water quality objectives, subject constraints total land conversion. Results displayed tradeoffs between yield for three crops (switchgrass, sorghum poplar) rent objectives. Optimal solutions tended prioritize eastern AWR subbasins where objective improvements were greatest. A small number contributed basin-wide improvements, whereas contributing benefits more spatially dispersed, indicating that responses are likely constrain placement. Biomass targets can met vianumerous arrangements, marginal improvement objectives best achieved selectively siting perennial half region.