Global Change Biology Bioenergy最新文献

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from the pyrolysis of organic matter, has garnered attention for its potential agricultural and environmental benefits, including soil improvement, enhanced crop yields and climate change mitigation. Despite its promise, biochar adoption has been hindered by limited social awareness, particularly in industrialised countries. This review explores the factors influencing biochar's acceptance in agriculture and forestry, focusing on the social aspects that affect its integration. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies on social awareness and acceptance, revealing significant barriers such as a lack of knowledge among farmers, high production costs and insufficient infrastructure. In industrialised countries, while technical research on biochar has progressed, farmers often remain unfamiliar with its benefits, and resistance to adoption is common. Studies show that social factors such as age, education level and access to funding play a crucial role in biochar adoption. Furthermore, a lack of government incentives and unclear regulatory frameworks exacerbate the challenge. Conversely, studies from lower-income countries suggest that small-scale, cost-effective biochar production systems may hold promise. The review also identifies strategies to enhance biochar's social acceptance, including targeted education programs, financial incentives and clearer regulatory standards. Despite varying levels of social awareness, the literature suggests that with increased outreach, biochar could significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural practices globally. This review underscores the need for further research into the social dimensions of biochar adoption and the implementation of policies to foster its widespread use.

Aquaculture sludge (AS), rich in nutrients, can pose environmental risks such as eutrophication, threatening aquatic ecosystems and water quality if not properly managed. However, AS can also be used as a feedstock for bioenergy production. This study investigated bioenergy (methane) production from AS and dairy manure (DM) under anaerobic codigestion using the biochemical methane potential test. Results showed that anaerobic codigestion of DM and AS produced higher methane production compared with their individual monodigestion. The DM:AS ratios of 50:50, 30:70, and 10:90 showed synergistic effects, with codigestion performance indices of 1.2, 1.3, and 1.5, respectively. A DM:AS ratio of 10:90 provided the highest methane production of 341.80 mL g⁻¹ volatile solids, being 65% and 52% greater than those from monodigestion of these two feedstocks, respectively. A hydraulic retention time of 16 days was found optimum, attaining 90% of the cumulative methane production. The experimental data of methane production fitted perfectly with the superimposed model, reflecting contribution from both readily degradable and harder fractions of the feedstock mix. These findings present an approach to effective valorization and management of the nutrient-rich AS through enhanced energy recovery and promote sustainability in the aquaculture industry.

Lignocellulosic crops such as Miscanthus, Eucalyptus, Poplar, Willow, and Switchgrass are gaining attention as promising feedstocks for renewable energy and carbon-mitigation strategies, especially on marginal lands. Assessing their global yield potentials requires models that go beyond climate drivers alone. Using a global dataset of 3963 yield observations for five species, we developed a high-resolution (5-arc-minute) modeling framework that augments climate with detailed soil and topographic predictors. Among seven machine learning algorithms, Random Forest, Extra Trees, and Gradient Boosting (GB) emerged as top performers. On an independent test set, the best model achieved a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4.8 t DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ (across algorithms: 4.7–5.0 t DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) and an $��R^2�$ of 0.67, a moderate error relative to the broad 4–19 t DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ spatial yield range. After outlier handling via a two-phase cross-validation procedure, each model was applied globally under current climate and three future scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). Across scenarios (relative to the 1980–2000 baseline), median absolute yield changes over suitable land are modest (ca. 1–2 t DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹), yet localized hotspots show gains or losses up to 8 t DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Yields most often increase in presently cool, high-latitude areas and decrease in warmer/drier or edaphically constrained low-latitude regions. We additionally provide a “best-crop” map identifying where each species may offer the most favorable balance between yield and production cost, revealing pronounced geographic variation in suitability. Compared with alternative models based on coarser-resolution datasets, our approach generally yields more conservative estimates, likely reflecting the added constraint from soil and topographic predictors. These results underscore the importance of representing local environmental heterogeneity when predicting energy-crop productivity under climate change.

Biogas production is increasingly promoted across Europe as a renewable energy source, with growing attention to minimizing land use impacts and preserving food production. In France, biogas plant development has rapidly expanded in recent years, along with the use of energy cover crops. This study examines the national land cover changes following the implementation of biogas plants and explores potential explanatory variables for these changes. Using four key databases (the French Land Parcel Identification System, the SINOE database, the Open Data Reseaux Energies database, and the 2020 French Agricultural Census), we identified farms linked to biogas plants and analyzed their land cover dynamics across various farm characteristics between 2010 and 2021. A typology of land cover changes was developed through clustering techniques. At the national level, our results showed significant land cover changes, including increases in maize and other cereal areas (e.g., rye, triticale, sorghum, among others) and decreases in rapeseed and common wheat. Regional variability emerged which suggests distinct strategies of energy crop introduction. Notably, stronger land cover changes were observed on field crop farms and on those with injection-based biogas plants, which are expected to become the dominant system in the future. Additionally, irrigation availability tended to favor summer energy cover crops over winter energy cover crops. Distinct land cover changes were also observed on organic farms, with a notable increase in “grassland and forage crop” areas (excluding silage maize). As the European biomethane market expands, concerns arise regarding the long-term land cover implications of this growth. While energy cover crops are promoted as a sustainable feedstock for biomethane production, their widespread adoption could still lead to significant land cover changes. This raises important questions about the feasibility of achieving Europe's biomethane production goals while addressing potential land use challenges.

Biomass crops provide renewable material for bioproducts and energy generation with the potential for negative greenhouse gas emissions through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. Miscanthus spp. is a perennial crop with rapid biomass production and low inputs. However, uncertainty exists over impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in conversion from agricultural grasslands, and the interaction between divergent Miscanthus species and SOC sequestration. As a C₄ plant (in contrast to C₃ temperate grassland species) the fate of Miscanthus derived carbon can be traced in the soil through its isotopic signature. Taking advantage of this, we use soil cores (pre and post conversion) to investigate species groupings and genotypic effect on SOC stocks in a rare long-term field trial located in the UK. Results show that 10 years after conversion from a managed grass pasture to Miscanthus, expected SOC losses due to cultivation were recovered (Miscanthus spp. mean of 82 Mg C ha⁻¹ compared to pre-conversion stocks of 79 Mg C ha⁻¹, 0–30 cm soil depth) but significant variation in SOC between genotypes was observed (a difference of 32 Mg C ha⁻¹ between the highest and lowest). Of the plant traits investigated, a large rhizome mass was correlated with C₄ carbon, and leaf litter was associated with increased SOC. As well as providing empirical data for the impact on SOC in a likely land use conversion, our findings show a genotypic influence on SOC sequestration processes, revealing the potential of Miscanthus selection to maximise climate mitigation benefits. With only 2 of the 13 genotypes identified as sequestering lower SOC compared to the others, there remains a wide genotypic base to select from. Yield is a primary breeding target (commercially and for increased CO₂ uptake); we demonstrate that high yield need not be at the expense of low soil carbon.

Miscanthus breeding programs have focused on developing intraspecific (M. sinensis × M. sinensis) and interspecific (M. sinensis × M. sacchariflorus) seed-based hybrids with distinct cell wall characteristics for different biomass value chains. Here, we evaluated the performance of 13 novel hybrids (including seed-based intraspecific, seed-based interspecific, and one clonally propagated interspecific hybrid) relative to Miscanthus × giganteus (M × g). We compared the cell wall composition, saccharification efficiency, and yield after spring harvests in 2021 and 2022 across six European locations. Cell wall content and composition varied significantly among hybrids and were influenced by environmental conditions, yet differences due to parental background were largely consistent across locations. On average, seed-based interspecific hybrids (80.6%–84.0% neutral detergent fiber) had a lower total cell wall content than the other hybrids evaluated in this study (88.3%–90.8%). In contrast, cellulose was ~5.5% higher in hybrids with an M. sinensis × M. sacchariflorus background relative to the intraspecific hybrids, while hemicellulose averaged above 34% for intraspecific hybrids, 29.4% to 31.8% in the interspecific hybrids, and below 27% for M × g. Lignin content was highest in M × g (~13.8%), intermediate in the interspecific hybrids (11.0%–12.2%), and lowest in the intraspecific hybrids (~10%). These compositional traits translated into saccharification efficiencies that were 32.9% higher for the intraspecific hybrids and 9.8%–13.1% higher for the interspecific hybrids (seed-based and clonally propagated) compared to M × g. Accounting for biomass yield, either several seed-based hybrids or the novel clonally propagated hybrid exceeded the theoretical ethanol potential of M × g at all trial locations, indicating strong potential for their use in lignocellulosic biofuel production.

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is indispensable for reaching the German climate neutrality target as a complementary strategy alongside reducing and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass can be used in various ways to deliver bio-based CDR, including Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), natural sink enhancement, and biomass-based construction materials. By focusing on bio-based solutions, actions can be streamlined to achieve both CDR and a range of co-benefits; for example, in terms of ecosystem services. The ramp-up of bio-based CDR in Germany is driven by a diverse set of factors. In this study, scenarios were developed that allow for exploring these factors in a set of narratives. The selection of key drivers followed the PESTEL approach (Policy, Environmental, Social, Technological, Economic, and Legal aspects), to which the Biomass category was added. Desirable net-zero futures and drivers identified in stakeholder surveys, interviews, and workshops were translated into consistent scenario storylines. These represent diverse bio-based CDR portfolios that differ in the implementation level of single concepts and in the overall contribution to negative emissions for Germany in 2045, considering the national potentials for different CDR options. The scenarios encompass (1) a focus on cost efficiency, (2) prioritizing decentralized options and natural sinks, (3) larger amounts of bio-based CDR (skyrocketing), and (4) little support for bio-based CDR (roadblock). The scenario storylines and drivers can inform modeling for cost-optimized implementation and paint a picture of potential developments for stakeholders. They can also serve as a basis for compiling bio-based value chains with maximum removal capacities that deliver a series of additional system benefits.

Use of forest biomass may induce changes in the aerosol emissions, with subsequent impacts on the direct and indirect climate effects of these short-lived climate forcers. We studied how alternative wood use scenarios affected the aerosol emissions and consequent radiative forcing in Finland. In all alternative scenarios, the harvest level of forest biomass was increased by 10 million m³ compared to the baseline. The increased biomass harvest was assigned to four different uses: (i) to sawn wood, (ii) to pulp-based products, (iii) to energy biomass combusted in small-scale appliances or (iv) to energy biomass combusted in medium-to-large scale boilers. Aerosol emissions (black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂)) under these scenarios were estimated using displacement factors (DFs). The global aerosol–climate model ECHAM-HAMMOZ was used to study instantaneous radiative forcing due to aerosol–radiation interactions (IRF_ARI) and effective radiative forcing (ERF), based on the differences in aerosol emissions between the alternative wood use scenarios and the baseline scenario. The results indicated that the use of sawn wood and energy biomass combusted in medium- to large-scale boilers decreased radiative forcings, implying climate cooling, whereas the increased use of pulpwood increased them. Energy biomass combustion in small-scale appliances increased IRF_ARI by 0.004 W m⁻² but decreased ERF by −0.260 W m⁻², specifically due to a strong increase in carbonaceous aerosols. Alternative use of forest biomass notably influenced aerosol emissions and their climate impacts, and it can be concluded that increased forest biomass use requires a comprehensive assessment of aerosol emissions alongside greenhouse gases (GHGs). Given the consequent reduction in radiative forcing from aerosol emissions, we conclude that the greatest overall climate benefits could be achieved by prioritising the production of long-lived wood-based products.

Marine actinobacteria are gaining attention for their biotechnological and ecological potential, yet their roles in marine agriculture, biofuel production, and climate change mitigation remain underexplored. In this review, we examine their application in saline ecosystems—particularly mangroves and Salicornia—as biofertilizers and bioinoculants that can enhance crop productivity under extreme conditions. We highlight the ecological functions and secondary metabolites of marine actinobacteria and discuss their potential in sustainable energy production from non-arable lands. We also introduce the concept “marine actinobacteria in Integrated Seawater Energy Agriculture System (ma-ISEAS)” to strengthen the performance of the established ISEAS framework in the United Arab Emirates, thereby supporting renewable biofuel production and contributing to climate change mitigation strategies. Despite this promise, several challenges can be addressed. These include technological bottlenecks in large-scale cultivation, gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration, and the absence of standardized protocols for field application. Furthermore, regulatory and biosafety considerations, especially for the environmental release of genetically enhanced microbial strains, remain underdeveloped. Addressing these challenges is essential for the responsible deployment of marine actinobacteria in advancing agriculture, energy, and environmental sustainability.

Quantifying the carbon (C) uptake of Miscanthus × giganteus (M × g) in both aboveground and belowground structures (e.g., net primary productivity (NPP)) and differences among methodological approaches is crucial. Our objectives were to directly measure Mxg NPP and evaluate the effects of nitrogen application, location, and belowground biomass sampling methods. We hypothesize that increased nitrogen application increases the overall NPP of M × g and that quantifying rhizome biomass using excavations will produce the lowest variability between replicates. We collected biomass from mature M × g stands from three locations in Iowa with three nitrogen application rates and one site in Illinois. We destructively sampled at two time points, when rhizome mass is anticipated to be at a minimum (initial) and anticipated to be at its maximum (peak). Biomass was collected from 1 × 1 m quadrats in which one in-clump and one beside-clump cores were collected and then excavated to 30 cm depth to extract all rhizomes. We found that aboveground M × g NPP ranged from 15.4 Mg Da ha^–1 year^–1 to 36.4 Mg Da ha^–1 year^–1 and belowground M × g NPP ranged from 4.4 Mg Da ha^–1 year^–1 to 19.6 Mg Da ha^–1 year^–1. M × g NPP varied across sites, fertilization, and calculation assumptions. Aboveground NPP (yield) was on average 68.7% of the total NPP. Root-to-shoot ratios at peak biomass decreased with nitrogen application rate, from an average of 1.9 for 0 N plots to 0.89 for 224 N fertilized plots. There was more variation in core data than from excavations; however, when in-clump and beside-clump cores were averaged together, core and excavation averages were not different. Overall, these results show that the range of mature M × g NPP is driven by aboveground productivity, influenced by nitrogen application and site. Our results provide useful data to constrain agro-ecosystem models and provide crucial insights for future perennial belowground sampling.