Sammanfattning

Sustainability goals regarding biobased chemicals and fuels can lead to increased demand for cereal straw, which could lead to undesirable effects on soil organic matter (SOM) content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of removing straw on SOM, using a life cycle approach based on agricultural statistics and soil carbon modelling. This regional evaluation in southern Sweden showed that the general restrictions on straw removal recommended in many European studies, with demands on the incorporation of at least half of the aboveground straw, is not an efficient means of SOM preservation. Unrestricted straw removal in combination with the cultivation of intermediate crops leads to a much higher SOM build-up. Such measures will increase the availability of removable straw 2.5 times, at little extra cost. The findings of this study demonstrate the necessity of regional evaluation, taking new findings on the impact of straw incorporation on SOM into consideration. This is important for both regional emerging biobased industries, where unnecessary restrictions on straw removal might hamper the development of new production pathways, and for future sustainability in agriculture, where well-intended but inefficient SOM preservation strategies might hinder the implementation of more efficient measures.[GRAPHICS].

Nyckelord

Soil carbon; Greenhouse gas emissions; Intermediate crops; Cover crops; Conflicting sustainability goals

Publicerad i

Waste and Biomass Valorization
2021, Volym: 12, nummer: 10, sidor: 5649-5663

SLU författare

• Prade, Thomas

  • Institutionen för biosystem och teknologi, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Globala målen

Säkerställa tillgång till ekonomiskt överkomlig, tillförlitlig, hållbar och modern energi för alla


UKÄ forskningsämne

Förnyelsebar bioenergi
Miljövetenskap
Jordbruksvetenskap


Publikationens identifierare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-021-01419-9

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/111032