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Cited by 363Bioenergy crop production and managementSoil Carbon and Nitrogen DynamicsBiofuel production and bioconversion

Land‐use change to bioenergy production in E urope: implications for the greenhouse gas balance and soil carbon

Open access
Don, Axel, Osborne, Bruce, Hastings, Astley, Skiba, Ute, Carter, Mette S., Drewer, Julia, Flessa, Heinz, Freibauer, Annette +10 more·2012·GCB Bioenergy
DOI 10.1111/j.1757-1707.2011.01116.x
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Abstract

Bioenergy from crops is expected to make a considerable contribution to climate change mitigation. However, bioenergy is not necessarily carbon neutral because emissions of CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 during crop production may reduce or completely counterbalance CO 2 savings of the substituted fossil fuels. These greenhouse gases ( GHG s) need to be included into the carbon footprint calculation of different bioenergy crops under a range of soil conditions and management practices. This review compiles existing knowledge on agronomic and environmental constraints and GHG balances of the major E uropean bioenergy crops, although it focuses on dedicated perennial crops such as M iscanthus and short rotation coppice species. Such second‐generation crops account for only 3% of the current E uropean bioenergy production, but field data suggest they emit 40% to >99% less N 2 O than conventional annual crops. This is a result of lower fertilizer requirements as well as a higher N‐use efficiency, due to effective N‐recycling. Perennial energy crops have the potential to sequester additional carbon in soil biomass if established on former cropland (0.44 Mg soil C ha −1 yr −1 for poplar and willow and 0.66 Mg soil C ha −1 yr −1 for M iscanthus ). However, there was no positive or even negative effects on the C balance if energy crops are established on former grassland. Increased bioenergy production may also result in direct and indirect land‐use changes with potential high C losses when native vegetation is converted to annual crops. Although dedicated perennial energy crops have a high potential to improve the GHG balance of bioenergy production, several agronomic and economic constraints still have to be overcome.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/j.1757-1707.2011.01116.x

Cites

150 of 150 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

6 of 64 cited sources checked · 2 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Interpretationreasoning

    Bioenergy is not necessarily carbon neutral because emissions of CO2, N2O and CH4 during crop production may reduce or completely counterbalance the CO2 savings of substituted fossil fuels.

    “However, bioenergy is not necessarily carbon neutral because emissions of CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 during crop production may reduce or completely counterbalance CO 2 savings of the substituted fossil fuels.”
    • Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
      “Although carbon (C) emitted during combustion is balanced by C fixed by photosynthesis, bioenergy is not necessarily C neutral because of GHG emissions released during crop growth, field management, feedstock processing and transport.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Crutzen et al., 2008 source

      The Introduction and Conclusions say that N₂O emissions from fertilized biofuel crops can counteract fossil-fuel CO₂ savings and even cause net warming. The paper does not establish the claim about crop-production CO₂ and CH₄ emissions; its Conclusions say the analysis concentrates on N₂O from nitrogen fertilization. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Perennial energy crops may help to recapture soil organic carbon that was previously lost by cultivation.

    “On the other hand, perennial energy crops may help to recapture SOC that was previously lost by cultivation (Dondini et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Dondini et al., 2009 source
  • Premisecitation

    In a nine year study in Michigan, United States, five to six times smaller N2O emissions were measured for a poplar plantation compared with conventional cropland systems.

    “In a nine year study in Michigan, United States, five to six times smaller N 2 O emissions were measured for a poplar plantation compared with conventional cropland systems (Robertson et al., 2000).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Robertson et al., 2000 source
  • Premisecitation

    Emissions of N2O from soils and adjacent water bodies are able to turn the life cycle GHG balance of energy crops from a net sink into a net source.

    “Emissions of N 2 O from soils and adjacent water bodies are able to turn the life cycle GHG balance of energy crops from a net sink into a net source (Crutzen et al., 2008;Searchinger et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Crutzen et al., 2008 source

      Section 3 reports that N₂O emissions can exceed the cooling from displaced fossil fuels for some biofuels, and Appendix A includes emissions from nitrogen entering water systems. But Sections 3 and 4.2 explicitly say the analysis is not a full life-cycle assessment, so the paper does not establish a switch in the life-cycle GHG balance from net sink to net source. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Searchinger et al., 2008 source
  • Premisecitation

    On sandy soils direct N2O emissions may be shifted to indirect emissions from NO3− leached into adjacent water bodies.

    “On the other hand, on sandy soils direct N 2 O emissions may be shifted to indirect emissions from NO 3 À leached into adjacent water bodies (Crutzen et al., 2008;Well & Butterbach-Bahl, 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Crutzen et al., 2008 source

      Appendix A (page not available in our copy) identifies indirect N₂O emissions from leached nitrogen leaving fields and entering water systems. It does not specify sandy soils or say that direct emissions shift to indirect emissions under those conditions. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Well & Butterbach-Bahl, 2010 source
  • May combine two claims. 34
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 8
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In general, annual cropland conversion to perennial crops results in increased SOC stocks but SOC decreased if perennial crops or grasslands are converted to annual crops.

    “In general, annual cropland conversion to perennial crops results in increased SOC stocks but SOC decreased if perennial crops or grasslands are converted to annual crops (Anderson-Teixeira et al., 2009;Poeplau et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Anderson-Teixeira et al., 2009 source

      The Introduction (page not specified) says SOC accumulates when cultivated land becomes grassland, while conversion of native ecosystems to crops causes substantial SOC losses. The Discussion (page not specified) also reports SOC gains under perennial grasses and initial losses when native grassland or forest is converted to sugarcane. The paper does not establish the claimed general decrease specifically for conversion of perennial crops or grasslands to annual crops; its grassland-conversion example is sugarcane, a perennial crop. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Poeplau et al., 2011 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Production costs per GJ of bioenergy from dedicated energy crops may be roughly one-third of that from conventional energy crops.

    “Production costs per GJ of bioenergy from dedicated energy crops may be roughly one-third of that from conventional energy crops (de Wit & Faaij, 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites de Wit & Faaij, 2010 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The only five European data sets known to the authors that compare fluxes from conventional crops and dedicated energy crops under same environmental conditions are displayed in Fig. 2, two of them new unpublished data sets.

    “The only five European data sets known to us that compare fluxes from conventional crops and dedicated energy crops under same environmental conditions are displayed in Fig. 2 two of them are new unpublished data sets.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    N2O emissions from Miscanthus at the Wexford site, Ireland were lower than those for maize, due to drier soils that resulted from increased water use.

    “In contrast, N 2 O emissions from Miscanthus at the Wexford site, Ireland were lower than those for maize, due to drier soils that resulted from increased water use (Fig. 2e).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Productivity of short rotation coppice is similar to or even higher than that of conventional energy crops, and 20-50% less N fertilizer is needed due to efficient remobilization of reserves.

    “Productivity of SRC are similar or even higher than that of conventional energy crops and 20-50% less N fertilizer is needed due to efficient remobilization of reserves (Scholz & Ellerbrock, 2002;Karp & Shield, 2008; Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Scholz & Ellerbrock, 2002

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Karp & Shield, 2008 source

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingreasoning

    On SRC, the loss of N fertilizer as N2O (emission factor) was reduced by 64% (95% confidence interval: 25 to >99%, n = 7) compared with conventional annual crops.

    “the loss of N fertilizer as N 2 O (emission factor) was reduced by 64% (95% confident interval: 25 to >99%, n = 7).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Perennial dedicated energy crops showed significantly lower N2O emissions than conventional energy crops except for Hornum, the Danish site, which is characterized by a short measurement period that was restricted to one vegetation period.

    “Perennial dedicated energy crops showed significantly lower N 2 O emissions than conventional energy crops except for Hornum, the Danish site, which is characterized by a short measurement period that was restricted to one vegetation period (Jørgensen et al., 1997).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Jørgensen et al., 1997 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Miscanthus and short rotation coppice have deeper roots (>2 m) than agricultural crops, enabling them to use and deplete deeper groundwater resources, although this could be a disadvantage by affecting the local hydrological balance.

    “Miscanthus and SRC have deeper roots (>2 m), than agricultural crops that enables them to use and deplete deeper groundwater resources, although this could be a disadvantage by affecting the local hydrological balance (Neukirchen et al., 1999;Crow & Houston, 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Neukirchen et al., 1999 source
    • cites Crow & Houston, 2004 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Short rotation coppice systems are intensive land-use systems with often double the yields when compared with conventional forest systems.

    “SRC are intensive land-use systems with often double the yields when compared with conventional forest systems (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In this data set, no C saturation effect was detected in soils but SOC sequestration remained constant throughout the life cycle of Miscanthus and the SRC plantation lifetime.

    “In this data set, no C saturation effect was detected in soils but SOC sequestration remained constant throughout the life cycle of Miscanthus and the SRC plantation lifetime (Fig. 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    From the existing studies, the authors calculated an average (±SE) SOC accumulation of 1622 ± 1586 kg CO2 equiv ha−1 yr−1 for SRC (0.44 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) and 2427 ± 3421 kg CO2 equiv ha−1 yr−1 (0.66 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) for Miscanthus cultivated on former croplands.

    “From the existing studies, we calculated an average (±SE) SOC accumulation of 1622 ± 1586 kg CO 2 equiv ha À1 yr À1 for SRC (0.44 Mg C ha À1 yr À1 ) and 2427 ± 3421 kg CO 2 equiv ha À1 yr À1 (0.66 Mg C ha À1 yr À1 ) for Miscanthus cultivated on former croplands (Fig. 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There was no or even a negative SOC stock change, −4621 ± 2774 (−1.3 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) and −316 ± 692 kg CO2 equiv ha−1 yr−1 (−0.09 Mg C ha−1 yr−1), if grassland was converted to SRC and Miscanthus respectively.

    “However, there was no or even a negative SOC stock change, À4621 ± 2774 (À1.3 Mg C ha À1 yr À1 ) and À316 ± 692 kg CO 2 equiv ha À1 yr À1 (À0.09Mg C ha À1 yr À1 ), if grassland was converted to SRC and Miscanthus respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The CO2 balance of energy crops can be estimated by carbon stock changes in above- and below-ground biomass and in soils, and strongly depends on previous land-use and former carbon stock levels, especially the soil organic carbon pool.

    “The CO 2 balance of energy crops can be estimated by C stock changes in above and below ground biomass and in soils.This strongly depends on the previous land-use and former C stock levels, especially for the largest terrestrial C pool, the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Poeplau et al., 2011 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lower N2O emissions of dedicated perennial energy crops are a result of lower fertilizer requirements as well as a higher N-use efficiency, due to effective N-recycling.

    “This is a result of lower fertilizer requirements as well as a higher N-use efficiency, due to effective N-recycling.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Deforestation of tropical primary forests can be a direct or indirect land-use change and causes very large carbon stock changes with a major impact on the GHG balance of bioenergy production.

    “Deforestation of tropical primary forests can be a direct or indirect land-use change and causes very large C stock changes with a major impact on the GHG balance of bioenergy production (Palm et al., 1999;Don et al., 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Palm et al., 1999
    • cites Don et al., 2011 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The GHG footprint related to production of modern bioenergy feedstock can be improved by applying existing knowledge and ecological principles, even though fully quantitative recommendations for site-specific optimal choices at farm level are not yet possible.

    “The GHG footprint related to the production of modern bioenergy feedstock can be improved by applying existing knowledge and ecological principles, even though fully quantitative recommendations for site-specific optimal choices at farm level are not yet possible.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Many life cycle analyses are inconclusive and inconsistent because of different system boundaries and because calculations of GHG emissions during crop production are crude.

    “However, many LCA are inconclusive and inconsistent because of different system boundaries that determine which energy and GHG fluxes are attributed to bioenergy as a product, and because calculations of GHG emissions during crop production are crude (Schlamadinger et al., 1997).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Schlamadinger et al., 1997 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    IPCC default values only provide a very general estimate of N2O emissions and cannot assess regionalized or site-specific effects of crop species on GHG fluxes.

    “Thus, IPCC default values only provide a very general estimate of N 2 O emissions and cannot assess regionalized or sitespecific effects of crop species on GHG fluxes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites IPCC, 2006

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The GHG balance of energy crops depends not only on crop type but also on climate, soil and management, especially fertilization and tillage practices, as well as previous land-use.

    “The GHG balance of energy crops depends not only on the crop type but also on climate, soil and management, especially fertilization and tillage practices, as well as previous land-use.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Fertilizer application rates are directly linked to GHG emissions for both conventional and energy cropping systems via concomitant N2O emissions from soils and additional GHG emissions associated with fertilizer production and transport.

    “Fertilizer application rates are directly linked to GHG emissions for both conventional and energy cropping systems via concomitant N 2 O emissions from soils and additional GHG emissions associated with fertilizer production and transport.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Land classified as marginal may harbour high biodiversity or contain significant carbon stocks that will be lost upon cultivation.

    “Furthermore, such land may harbour a high biodiversity or contain significant C stocks that will be lost upon cultivation (Eggers et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Eggers et al., 2009 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    If short rotation coppice is established on sites under permanent vegetation, such as grasslands or woodland, partial or complete ploughing is required, and such management practices would have a negative effect on soil organic carbon stocks.

    “If SRC is established on sites under permanent vegetation, i.e., grasslands or woodland, partial or complete ploughing is required.Such management practices would have a negative effect on SOC stocks (see Carbon balance).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Expansion of bioenergy production to marginal land is further constrained by the high establishment costs of perennial energy crops and the often relatively low yields.

    “Expansion of bioenergy production to marginal land is further constrained by the high establishment costs of perennial energy crops and the often relatively low yields.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The emission of N2O and the emission factor (N2O emission per applied N fertilizer) are crop-specific with up to a 700% difference between different crop types for the same site, fertilization rate and measurement period.

    “The emission of N 2 O and also the emission factor (N 2 O emission per applied N fertil-izer) are crop-specific with up to a 700% difference between different crop types for the same site, fertilization rate and measurement period (Kaiser & Ruser, 2000).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kaiser & Ruser, 2000 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Winter harvesting allows to keep the water table close to the surface in summer, which helps to conserve soil C in organic soils, e.g., under reed canary grass production.

    “Winter harvesting also allows to keep the water table close to the surface in summer, which helps to conserve soil C in organic soils, e.g., under reed canary grass production.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The N2O emission factor was reduced by 39% during the winter when compared with a 65% reduction during the vegetation period.

    “Similarly, the N 2 O emission factor was reduced by 39% during the winter when compared with a 65% reduction during the vegetation period (Flessa et al., 1998).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Flessa et al., 1998

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Perennial bioenergy crops do not require annual tillage so that tillage-induced N mineralization and the possibility of increased N2O production as a loss of mineral N is minimized.

    “Perennial bioenergy crops do not require annual tillage so that tillage-induced N mineralization and the possibility of increased N 2 O production as a loss of mineral N is minimized.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    There may be lag effects of crop residues ploughed under in the previous autumn, with residues from oilseed rape causing especially high N2O emissions, due to their high N content.

    “There may also be lag effects of crop residues ploughed under in the previous autumn, with residues from oilseed rape causing especially high N 2 O emissions, due to their high N content (Hadas et al., 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hadas et al., 2004 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    At present there is no clear explanation for observed reductions in expected yield of old Miscanthus stands, but it is possibly due to the increasing physical space occupied by old non-vigorous rhizomes that reduce productivity per unit area.

    “At present there is no clear explanation for these observed reductions in expected yield, but it is possibly due to the increasing physical space occupied by old non-vigorous rhizomes that reduce the productivity per unit area.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A main uncertainty in predicting future potential bioenergy production is the available land that could be converted to energy crops.

    “A main uncertainty in predicting future potential bioenergy production is the available land that could be converted to energy crops (Berndes et al., 2003).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Berndes et al., 2003 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Large-scale establishment of dedicated energy crops is hampered by high establishment costs and investment in new machinery, as well as the absence of a yearly income with short rotation coppice and the lack of expertise or experience.

    “However, large scale establishment of dedicated energy crops is hampered by high establishment costs and investment in new machinery, as well as the absence of a yearly income with SRC and the lack of expertise or experience.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Although dedicated perennial energy crops have a high potential to improve the GHG balance of bioenergy production, several agronomic and economic constraints still have to be overcome.

    “Although dedicated perennial energy crops have a high potential to improve the GHG balance of bioenergy production, several agronomic and economic constraints still have to be overcome.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Many perennial energy crops are harvested in winter (often in wetter conditions), which could foster soil compaction and the production of N2O.

    “However, many perennial energy crops are harvested in winter (often in wetter conditions), which could, on the one hand, foster soil compaction and the production of N 2 O.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Marginal land is often poorly drained, but could support perennial energy crop production due to a sufficient water supply.

    “Marginal land is often poorly drained, but could support perennial energy crop production due to a sufficient water supply.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Choosing crops with a high N-use efficiency, such as Miscanthus and SRC, reduces the N fertilization demand and subsequently the direct and indirect N2O emissions, regardless of the soil type they are cultivated on.

    “This underlines the importance of choosing crops with a high N-use efficiency, such as Miscanthus and SRC, as they reduce the N fertilization demand and subsequently the direct and indirect N 2 O emissions, regardless of the soil type they are cultivated on.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The reconversion of abandoned land to cropland causes SOC losses, as most abandoned land accumulated SOC through natural succession to grassland or woodland that would in turn be reduced upon re-cultivation.

    “Moreover, the reconversion of abandoned land to cropland causes SOC losses, as most abandoned land accumulated SOC through natural succession to grassland or woodland that would in turn be reduced upon re-cultivation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    At the Hornum, Denmark site winter fluxes were not measured, thus it is likely that the emission factors are an underestimate.

    “At the Hornum, Denmark site winter fluxes were not measured thus it is likely that the emission factors (Fig. 2a) are an underestimate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Any changes in SOC stocks depend critically on the former land-use history and may dominate the total bioenergy feedstock GHG balance.

    “Thus, any changes in SOC stocks depend critically on the former land-use history and may dominate the total bioenergy feedstock GHG balance (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
38 of 38

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Bioenergy from crops is expected to make a considerable contribution to climate change mitigation.

    “Bioenergy from crops is expected to make a considerable contribution to climate change mitigation.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Current bioenergy production takes place mainly on fertile cropland in direct competition with food production.

    “Contrary to the political aim to open up marginal land for bioenergy crops current production takes place mainly on fertile cropland in direct competition with food production.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The GHG budget of bioenergy feedstock production depends on the net balance of CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions during crop production and associated land-use changes and fossil fuel use during fertilizer and pesticide manufacture, transport and fuel for field machinery.

    “The GHG budget of bioenergy feedstock production depends on the net balance of CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 O emissions during crop production and associated land-use changes and fossil fuel use during fertilizer and pesticide manufacture, transport and fuel for field machinery.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    N2O production is a result of the microbial processes of nitrification and denitrification.

    “The production of N 2 O is a result of the microbial processes of nitrification and denitrification.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Mineral fertilizers for agricultural production are the largest single global N2O source.

    “Mineral fertilizers for agricultural production are the largest single global N 2 O source.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Machinery required to harvest perennial crops is similar to those currently used for arable crops, but with less frequent traffic.

    “Machinery required to harvest perennial crops is similar to those currently used for arable crops, but with less frequent traffic.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Paludiculture uses that part of the net primary production (NPP) that is not necessary for peat formation, which may amount to 80-90% of NPP.

    “Paludiculture uses that part of the net primary production (NPP) that is not necessary for peat formation (which may amount to 80-90% of NPP).”
7 of 7

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Willow below-ground carbon estimates disagree

    Major

    The text gives an annual equivalent of 1100-2100 kg CO2 per hectare for willow below-ground biomass, while Table 3 gives 200-890 for the same category.

  • Energy crops' share of bioenergy is overstated

    Minor

    Energy crops supply 0.3% of total energy while bioenergy supplies 10%, so energy crops account for 3% of bioenergy, not 6%.

    Reported 6 · recomputed 3

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 151 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 18

  1. AEBIOM, 2010, European Biomass Statistics, 75
  2. ArmstrongAP BaroJ DartoyJ GrovesAP NikkonenJ RickeardDJ(2002)CONCAWE Ad Hoc Group on Alternative Fuels Vol. 2/2002. CONCAWE. Available at: http://www.concawe.be (accessed 8 August 2011).
  3. Baitz M, 2004, Comparative Life‐Cycle Assessment for SunDiesel (Choren Process) and Conventional Diesel Fuel
  4. EU, 2007, The Impact of a Minimum 10% Obligation for Biofuel Use in the EU‐27 in 2020 on Agricultural Markets, 10
  5. EU, 2009, Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC. O. J. o. t. E. Union
  6. Eulenstein F, 2011, Potenzielle Klimawirkung des Anbaus von Pflanzen zur Erzeugung von Biomasse für, Biokraftstoffé Aufgrund Klimawirksamer Gasemissionen und Weitere Umweltwirkungen, 135
  7. EurObserv'ER(2010)Biogas Barometer. InSystem Solaires le journal des energies renouvelables Vol. 200 pp. 104–119. Available at:http://www.eurobserv-er.org/pdf/baro200b.pdf(accessed 8 August 2011).
  8. European Biodiesel Board, 2010, Production of Biodiesel in the EU
  9. Evans S, 2007, Report to DTI, 91
  10. FAO, 2008, The State of Food and Agriculture ‐ Biofuels Prospects, Risk and Opportunities
  11. Flessa H, 1998, Freisetzung und Verbrauch der Klimarelevanten Spurengase N2O und CH4 Beim Anbau Nachwachsender Rohstoffe, 133
  12. FNR, 2010, Annual Report 2009/2010,, 104
  13. Jones MB, 2001, Miscanthus for Energy and Fibre
  14. Neitsch SL, 2002, Soil and water assessment tool user's manual, Version 2000. TWRI Report TR‐192
  15. Quirin M, 2004, CO2 Mitigation Through Biofuels in the Transport Sector ‐ Status and Perspectives
  16. Scholz V, 2010, Umweltverträglichkeit von Pappen und Weiden im Vergelich mit anderen Energiepflanzen, Agrarholz, 15
  17. Wichtmann W, 2007, Wetlands: Monitoring, Modeling and Management, 273
  18. Woods J, 2008, Biofuels: Environmental Consequences and Interactions with Changing Land Use, 207

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Authors
Don, A., Osborne, B., Hastings, A., Skiba, U., Carter, M. S., Drewer, J., Flessa, H., Freibauer, A., Hyvönen, N., Jones, M. B., Lanigan, G. J., Mander, Ü., Monti, A., Djomo, S. N., Valentine, J., Walter, K., Zegada‐Lizarazu, W., & Zenone, T.
Affiliations
  • Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut (DE)
  • University College Dublin (IE)
  • University of Aberdeen (GB)
  • UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (GB)
  • Technical University of Denmark (DK)
  • University of Eastern Finland (FI)
  • Trinity College Dublin (IE)
  • Teagasc - The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (IE)
  • University of Tartu (EE)
  • University of Bologna (IT)
  • University of Antwerp (BE)
  • Aberystwyth University (GB)
  • University of Toledo (US)
Corresponding author
Don, Axel
ORCID
Venue
GCB Bioenergy
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2011-09-04
Volume
4
Issue
4
Pages
372-391
ISSN
  • 1757-1693 (ISSN-L)
  • 1757-1707
DOI
10.1111/j.1757-1707.2011.01116.x
OpenAlex
W2157918818
Cited by
363
References
151
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 26 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 33 · 2017: 43 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 47 · 2014: 31 · 2013: 30 · 2012: 13
FWCI
46.23
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • GCB Bioenergy (publishedVersion)
  • Archivio istituzionale della ricerca (Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • CNR ExploRA (submittedVersion)
  • NERC Open Research Archive (Natural Environment Research Council) (submittedVersion)
  • OpenAgrar (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • European Commission (244122)
  • Natural Environment Research Council (NE/F014961/1)
  • FP7 Ideas: European Research Council (233366)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Bioenergy crop production and management
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Biofuel production and bioconversion
Keywords
energy crops, land use change, greenhouse gas balance, soil carbon sequestration, nitrous oxide emissions, methane emissions, carbon footprint, perennial energy crops, short rotation coppice, Miscanthus, nitrogen use efficiency, climate change mitigation, Europe

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