Modelling Soil Organic Carbon Changes Under Different Maize Cropping Scenarios for Cellulosic Ethanol in Europe

摘要: The utilization of crop residues in the production second-generation biofuels has potential to boost bioenergy sector without affecting food commodity prices. However, policies leading large-scale biomass removal should carefully balance consequences, both environmental and terms emissions, on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks depletion. Using a recently developed simulation platform, SOC changes were estimated at European level (EU + candidate countries) under two scenarios low (R30) high (R90) maize stover for cellulosic ethanol (i.e. 30 90 % removal, respectively). Additionally, mitigation practices preservation, namely introduction ryegrass cover (R90_C) biodigestate return (R90_B), explored highest rate removal. results showed that 15.3 50.6 Mt year−1 (dry matter) would be potentially available lower rates considered. exploitation will lead depletion corresponding 39.7–135.4 CO2 eq. by 2020 (under R30 R90, respectively) with greater losses long term. In particular, every tonne C residue converted bioethanol was predicted have an additional impact loss almost ranging from 0.2 0.5 ha−1 year−1, considering continuous biofuel scenario 2050. evaluated could more than halve compared but not totally offsetting negative balance. There is pressing need design EU optimum cultivations preserve current stock or even generate credits.