2008 Joint Annual Meeting (5-9 Oct. 2008): Biomass Yields and the Effect of Harvesting Trees, Shrubs and Native Grasses on Greenhouse Gas (CO2, N2O and CH4) Flux In Riparian Buffers Designed to Provide Biomass for Biofuel Production.
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608-3 Biomass Yields and the Effect of Harvesting Trees, Shrubs and Native Grasses on Greenhouse Gas (CO2, N2O and CH4) Flux In Riparian Buffers Designed to Provide Biomass for Biofuel Production.



Monday, 6 October 2008
George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
Dong- Gill Kim, Iowa State University, Iowa State Univ., 339 Science 2, Ames, IA 50011-3221, Richard Schultz, Iowa State University, Dept. of Natl Res. Ecology & Mngmnt, 339 Science Ii Iowa State Univ. ity, Ames, IA 50011-3221, Thomas Isenhart, Dept. of Natl Res. Ecology & Mngmnt, Iowa State University, 339 Science II, Ames, IA 50011, Timothy Parkin, National Soil Tilth Lab,USDA-ARS, Ames, IA 50011, James Raich, National Science Foundation, 3124 Valentino Ct., Oakton, VA 22124 and Thomas Loynachan, 100 Osborn, Iowa State University, Department of Agronomy, Ames, IA 50011-1010
Biofuel feedstock is considered a promising renewable energy source and a viable carbon (C) sequestering option. However, there are concerns about the negative effects of annual crop biofuel feedstock production on the environment. Establishing perennial plant biofuel plantations on marginal cropland such as riparian areas may reduce some of the concerns and help meet the projected demands for biomass. However, frequent harvesting in short-rotation perennial systems may have negative effects on soil C sequestration and greenhouse gas flux which are significantly related to the environmental benefits of riparian buffers. The objective of this study is to quantify biomass produced by a short-rotation management scheme in riparian buffers and to measure the effects of harvesting on CO2, N2O and CH4 flux. We measured plant biomass, fine root biomass, soil C and CO2, N2O and CH4 flux regularly after harvesting and during regrowth in riparian forest buffers and native warm-season grass filters located in the Bear Creek watershed in central Iowa. In this presentation, we will present biomass yields from the sites and the change of CO2, N2O and CH4 flux after harvesting. Results will develop management procedures for harvesting and regenerating biofuel feedstocks in riparian buffers while maintaining their phytoremediation potential.
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