Soil carbon sequestration during the establishment-phase of Miscanthus x giganteus : a study on three spatial scales

Abstract

In recent years the use of biomass for energy production has become an increasingly important measure for mitigating global change. While national and EU legislation strongly advocate the further development of the bioenergy sector, the scientific debate has been inconclusive. There is particular concern that land-use change to bioenergy production can lead to CO2 emissions. These emissions result from the loss of vegetation and the soil disturbance when ploughing natural ecosystems and pastures as a preparation for planting bioenergy crops. A possible solution is to use perennial energy crops such as willow or Miscanthus. Recent research on experimental fields has shown a high soil carbon sequestration potential across Europe; however, it can be expected that sequestration rates will differ on commercial plantations.