Biomass energy and soil erosion: Assessment of resource costs

• Published in: Biomass 1987, Vol.14 (1), p.15-38
• Main Authors: Pimentel, David, Krummel, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; corn stover; energetics; Erosion; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; herbaceous biomass; Soil erosion, conservation, land management and development; Soil science; Synecology; terrain; Terrestrial ecosystems; Use of agricultural and forest wastes. Biomass use, bioconversion; water availability; woody biomass
• ISSN: 0144-4565; 1878-2523
• DOI: 10.1016/0144-4565(87)90020-5

A resource assessment evaluates the extent of current soil erosion problems and how biomass energy production might influence the quality of US soils. Erosion rates for stover, herbaceous, and woody biomass production systems are compared for different land types and management technologies. Ecological, energetic, and cost accounting measurements are used to quantify interactions between production systems and soil erosion factors. Soil loss is a function of the biomass remaining on the ground after harvest, soil disturbance events and land terrain conditions. Harvesting agricultural crops for biomass energy accelerates already high erosion rates, while properly managed herbaceous production systems limit soil loss and might be appropriate for land areas with moderate relief. Decreased water availability associated with soil loss and disturbance is a primary constraint to biomass production. By translating these physical and biological variables to dollar values, via cost accounting, it is shown that soil erosion factors should be included in benefit/cost calculations.