Low Potential for Nitrous Oxide Emission with Switchgrass Production.

Growing switchgrass as a biofuels feedstock has attracted considerable attention in the eastern US, especially on lands that may be marginal for rowcrop production. Measured nitrous oxide fluxes, in response to fertilization, from switchgrass planted on a range of soils have been low, with the exception of very poorly drained sites.  Low emissions appear to result from rapid uptake of applied fertilizer N and the low N requirement of switchgrass compared to corn, resulting from N use efficiency of the species. Low nitrous oxide emissions and the potential to increase soil C sequestration make switchgrass a favorable landuse choice in terms of greenhouse gas balance.