Biomass removal: effect on soil nutrients and productivity
2008
Johnson, Jane M.F.
Interest in renewable alternatives to fossil energy has increased. There is also a growing awareness of the impact of greenhouse gas emission on global climate change. Crop biomass can be used to make liquid fuels like ethanol. These cellulosic materials are also potential feedstock for controlled combustion substituting for natural gas or coal. There is a wide range of potential feedstocks: trees, perennial grasses and crop non-grain biomass (or residues). Especially in the Corn Belt, corn stover and other crop straws are a likely feedstock. Long-term and short-term economic and environmental consequences (positive and negative) must be considered. Management recommendations are emerging that consider minimizing soil erosion risks, maintaining soil carbon and managing nutrients. The amount of biomass required to stay on the land to prevent loss of soil organic matter exceeds the amount needed to limit erosion. Biomass harvest removes 11 to 25 lb N, 1 to 4 lb P and 4 to 19 lbs K per ton of biomass removed depending on the crop. Soil tests and crop monitoring are recommended for both macro and micronutrients to avoid deficiencies.
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