Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Since Congress' Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, there has been increasing interest

in the ability to reach the cellulosic renewable fuel goal of 60.5 billion liters. Cellulosic biofuel crops include

sorghum, switchgrass, Miscanthus, woody crops, and crop residue, among others. Because of concern about

food production on existing highly productive agricultural lands, there is an interest regarding biofuel crop

production on marginal lands. Second generation biofuels, such as perennial grasses and woody plants,

provide an alternative to traditional crops; however, their effects on water quality are not well studied when

grown on marginal lands. Because grasses and woody …

Environmentally benign, economically viable, and socially acceptable agronomic strategies are needed to launch a sustainable lignocellulosic biofuel industry. Our objective was to demonstrate a landscape planning process that can ensure adequate supplies of corn (Zea mays L.) stover feedstock while protecting and improving soil quality. The Landscape Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF) was used to develop land use strategies that were then scaled up for five U.S. Corn Belt states (Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota) to illustrate the impact that could be achieved. Our results show an annual sustainable stover supply of 194 million Mg without exceeding soil erosion T …