Neutralizing global warming impacts of crop production using biochar from side flows and buffer zones: A case study of oat production in the boreal climate zone. (1st August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Uusitalo, V.; Leino, M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 227(2019)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2019-08-01
• Subjects: LCA -- Carbon footprint (CFP) -- Oat production -- Global warming potential -- Crop -- Biochar; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Rapid climate change mitigation requires carbon sequestration in addition to greenhouse gas emission reductions. Agriculture may have a high potential for carbon sequestration due to improved practices. However, it is not known how the global warming impacts of crop production could be mitigated especially within an agricultural system. The aim of this study is to evaluate possibilities to neutralize global warming impacts in crop production using biochar produced from side flows and buffer zone biomass. A life cycle assessment methodology is utilized in this research for oat production in the boreal climate zone. Global warming impact reductions are compared for three different side flow utilization options. Traditionally, side flows have been utilized in energy or fodder production, and these options are compared to biochar production at a system level. The potential to use buffer zone biomass for biochar production is also studied. Willow has been selected as a biomass source in buffer zones. Oat production leads to greenhouse gas emissions especially due to the use of fossil and mineral fertilizers in cultivation and heat energy, electricity and fuels in various process phases. The production of one metric ton of oat flakes from cradle to gate generates 700 kg of CO2 eq emissions. Biochar and energy production from side flows enables a greater reduction in global warming impacts than the feed use of side flows. Buffer zones in willow biomass and biochar production may enable the full neutralization of the global warming potential of oat production within an agricultural system. Further research with actual measurements is required especially on biochar impacts on soil emissions such as N2 O. This research shows that it could be possible to neutralize global warming impacts from crop production using available technologies and available biomass in agricultural systems. A framework is created for carbon neutral crop production using side flows and buffer zone biomass through biochar. Highlights: Global warming potential of oat production is studied using LCA methodology. Oat flakes production generates emissions of 700 kgCO2eq t −1 . Side flow use for biochar production leads to the lowest overall GWP impacts. Buffer zone biomass use for biochar production could mitigate the GWP impacts of oat production.