Bio-energy retains its mitigation potential under elevated CO2.

ABSTRACT:

Background

If biofuels are to be a viable substitute for fossil fuels, it is essential that they retain their potential to mitigate climate change under future atmospheric conditions. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] stimulates plant biomass production; however, the beneficial effects of increased production may be offset by higher energy costs in crop management.

Methodology/main findings

We maintained full size poplar short rotation coppice (SRC) systems under both current ambient and future elevated [CO2] (550 ppm) and estimated their net energy and greenhouse gas balance. We show that a poplar SRC system is energy efficient and produces more energy than required for coppice management. Even more, elevated [CO2] will increase the net energy production and gree

SUBMITTER: Liberloo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2906505 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature