A Carbon-Negative Opportunity?
Due to their high yields and extensive root systems, perennial energy grasses can sequester more CO2 from the atmosphere than is released in the lifecycle of producing and burning the fuel derived from them.* In switchgrass, above-ground biomass is generally equal to below-ground biomass production. Therefore, the greater the above-ground yields, the more carbon that can be sequestered in the roots below.
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If above-ground biomass is carbon neutral… |
Then un-harvested root biomass, which creates soil organic carbon, may be considered carbon negative — a benefit that other renewables cannot provide. |
* EPA Lifecycle Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Renewable Fuels (May 2009)