Bioenergy crop induced changes in soil properties: A case study on Miscanthus fields in the Upper Rhine Region.

ABSTRACT: Biomass as a renewable energy source has become increasingly prevalent in Europe to comply with greenhouse gas emission targets. As one of the most efficient perennial bioenergy crops, there is great potential in the Upper Rhine Region to explore biomass utilization of Miscanthus to confront climate change and land use demand in the future. Yet, the impacts of Miscanthus cultivation on soil quality have not been adequately explored. This study investigated the soil profiles of five- and 20-year-old Miscanthus fields (1 m depth) as well as grassland for reference in eastern France and Switzerland. The soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and δ13C compositions of four soil layers (0-10 cm, 10-40 cm, 40-70 cm and 70-100 cm) were determined. The CO2 emission rates of the topsoil were monit

SUBMITTER: Hu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6062028 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature