Higher Biofuel Yield Potential through Efficient Agricultural Practices

Researchers from University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin (United States) recently discussed the potential of increasing bioenergy crop yields through a more efficient agricultural production, without the increase in land allocation for bioenergy crops. By grouping different areas around the world that share similar water and climate conditions, the researchers were able to quantify the impacts of improving distribution of high-yielding cultivars, inputs, irrigation and the application of best-in-class management practices for 20 common agricultural biofuel crops. Based on the groupings, they were able to identify "hotspots"of low yielding agriculture (i.e. locations where agriculture yields are comparably lower to other locations in the group).

They found that if efficient agricultural practices are applied in these hotspots, it could annually increase bioethanol and biodiesel production by approximately 112.5 billion liters and 8.5 billion liters, respectively. This study, according to the researchers,is intended to be an important new resource for scientists and policymakers alike—helping to more accurately understand spatial variation of yield and agricultural intensification potential, as well as employing these data to better utilize existing infrastructure and optimize the distribution of development and aid capital. The full study is published in the journal, Environmental Research Letters (URL above).