How do nutrient losses from bioenergy crops compare with agricultural crops?
Perennial biomass crops are not fertilized repeatedly like agricultural crops, although specific fertilizer requirements will vary with location and production system. Soil cover provided by biomass crops can increase soil stability and reduce runoff; this in turn can reduce nutrient transport. Studies of poplar and switchgrass show that the extensive rooting systems of biomass crops reduce leaching transport of nutrients through the soil column and, thus, can contribute to reducing groundwater contamination from agricultural practices.
Related Questions
- How do nutrient concentrations at NAWQA agricultural and urban sites compare to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommended nutrient criteria?
- How do nutrient losses from bioenergy crops compare with agricultural crops?
- WHAT ARE THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF THE LOSSES OF AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY?
