A review of soil erosion potential associated with biomass crops

Abstract It has been estimated that up to 60 million hectares could be devoted to energy crop production in the U.S. Due to economic considerations, biomass crops will probably be produced on marginal cropland which is frequently highly erodible. Thus, the impact of herbaceous and woody biomass crop production on soil erosion must be addressed. Perennial grasses provide year-round soil cover, limiting erosion even with continued biomass harvest. Vigorous perennial herbaceous stands reduce water runoff and sediment loss and favor soil development processes by improving soil organic matter, soil structure and soil water and nutrient-holding capacity. Minimum tillage management of row crops reduces erosion compared with systems involving more frequent or more extensive tillage. Woody biomass plantations reduce water erosion by improving water infiltration, reducing impacts by water droplets, intercepting rain and snow and physically stabilizing soil by their roots and leaf litter. Shelterbelts reduce wind erosion when planted as shelterbelts and improve soil organic matter, soil structure and soil moisture in their leeward zone, reducing soil erodibility. Harvesting of woody biomass plantations may be accompanied by increased erosion. Forestry clear-cutting, especially on steep slopes, often results in a large increase in water erosion. For this reason, it is essential that woody biomass plantations be designed for rotational harvesting, even though this may result in higher harvesting costs.

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