Conference proceeding
The Water Quality Effects of Corn Ethanol vs Switchgrass Based Biofuels in the Midwest
Farm Foundation>Transition to a Bio Economy Conferences >Environmental and Rural Development Impacts Conference, October 15-16, 2008, St. Louis, Missouri
2008
Abstract
While biofuels may yield renewable fuel benefits, there could be downsides in terms
of water quality and other environmental stressors, particularly if corn is relied upon exclusively
as the feedstock. In this article, we describe a modeling system that links agricultural land use
decisions in the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) to economic drivers. This modeling
system is then used to assess several scenarios to identify the water quality effects of alternative
land uses and the impacts of introducing on the landscape alternative feedstocks, such as
switchgrass, to support renewable energy goals. Specifically, a scenario that assesses the water
quality effects associated with an increase in corn acreage due to higher relative corn prices
provides an estimate of the water quality effects that current biofuel policies may have in the
UMRB. Since cellulosic alternatives such as switchgrass are not currently technologically
feasible, we undertake two additional scenarios to assess the prices needed to induce switchgrass
production in the watershed and the associated water quality changes. Switchgrass production has
sizable benefits in terms of sediment and phosphorus losses, though targeting does little to
improve sediment over the unrestricted location of switchgrass. Nitrate losses are still high, likely
because of the high fertilization levels assumed. Our analysis can help evaluate the costs and
environmental impacts associated with implementation strategies for the biofuel mandates of the
new energy bill.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Water Quality Effects of Corn Ethanol vs Switchgrass Based Biofuels in the Midwest
- Creators
- Silvia SecchiPhilip W GassmanManoj K JhaLyubov A KurkalovaCatherine L Kling
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding
- Conference
- Farm Foundation>Transition to a Bio Economy Conferences >Environmental and Rural Development Impacts Conference, October 15-16, 2008, St. Louis, Missouri
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2008
- Academic Unit
- University College Courses; Geographical and Sustainability Sciences; Public Policy Center (Archive)
- Record Identifier
- 9984215839802771
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