Using rye as cover crop for bioenergy production: An environmental and economic assessment. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Igos, Elorri; Golkowska, Katarzyna; Koster, Daniel; Vervisch, Bram; Benetto, Enrico
• Is Part Of: Biomass and bioenergy. Volume 95(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 116
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Cover crops -- Harvest -- Bioenergy -- Life cycle assessment -- Costs -- Maize-rye rotation; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Biomass -- Periodicals; Energy-Generating Resources -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; 333.9539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2016.09.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-9534

Abstract

Abstract: The use of cover crops (CCs) during winter can improve the structure and water retention capacity of the soil. Additionally, the harvested CCs could be used as substrate in an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. This paper aims at assessing the environmental and economic consequences of planting rye as a winter CC (after maize) and its use as co-substrate in an AD plant ( Rye scenario) instead of leaving the land fallow during winter and use solely maize for co-digestion with manure ( NoRye scenario). The life cycle assessment (LCA) of 1 MJ of produced bioenergy (36% electricity and 64% heat) shows significant benefits for marine eutrophication for the Rye scenario due to reductions in nitrate leaching. However, the lower specific yield of rye and the biogas potential for the Rye scenario resulted in higher total impacts on climate change and resource depletion (higher use of machinery and infrastructures for 1 MJ of produced bioenergy), as compared to the use of maize in the NoRye scenario. Based on the analysis, possible methodological improvements are highlighted, in particular for the simulation of field emissions and regionalization of impacts. From an economic point-of-view, planting rye during winter could generate additional revenues for the farmer. However, the calculation incorporates large uncertainties, linked mainly to price volatility, seasonal weather conditions (and related yield variations), and to the possible influence of CCs on the summer crop yield. In conclusion, this paper presents a first overview of the sustainability performances of using rye as a CC for energy purposes. Highlights: Use of rye as winter cover crop for co-digestion with maize is investigated. Reduced marine eutrophication effects observed for rye due to leaching reduction. Some environmental drawbacks observed due to lower specific yield and biogas potential of rye. Revenues can be generated for the farmer, depending on socio-economic drivers. Improvements with regard to LCA modelling proposed to reduce uncertainties.