Current Biomass Crop Invasiveness Ratings
Crops that are attractive for biomass production often exhibit invasive tendencies. Crops that produce high yields of biomass grow fast, have dense canopies that shade out competitors, and are often perennial, sprouting year after year to hold a site. While these tendencies are desired in energy crops, they can become problems if the crops are too aggressive or are not managed properly. Careful evaluation of crops must be conducted before they are introduced at commercial scales. Biomass produced for energy has significant environmental benefits. The introduction of invasive or problem species can negate those benefits.
Quinn et al (2014) conducted a significant study of over 120 biomass feedstocks to evaluate their potential invasiveness. These evaluations used existing criteria that are used to classify plants into weed, pest, and other categories. Through their review, the scientists noted 24 species that are native to the US and would be considered ‘low risk’ for invasiveness. Some of the species on this list include:
The study also reviewed numerous non-native species that are being used or considered for biomass to energy projects. Through weed risk assessments and other review tools, they identified 25 non-native species that posed a low risk of invasiveness. These species included:
Other non-native species, such as giant reed, napier grass, jatropha, some miscanthus, and eucalyptus species are classified as higher risk or in need of more evaluation. Many universities, government agencies, and companies in the US are focusing on their efforts on reducing invasiveness in some crops while maintaining biomass production characteristics. New varieties of miscanthus and eucalyptus, for example, have been developed and are being trialed now that are showing reduced invasive tendencies.
Understanding crop invasiveness is critical to maintaining the sustainability of bioenergy and bioproducts processes. Crop selection is critical to success. Genera Energy can help you evaluate feedstocks for your project. Contact us today!
In the next part of this series, we’ll look at technological developments that may help us address potential invasives.
By Sam Jackson, VP of Business Development
The full article highlighting this research is Quinn, L.D., D.R. Gordon, A. Glaser, D. Lieurance, and S. L. Flory. 2014. Bioenergy feedstocks at low risk for invasion in the U.S.: A “white list” approach. BioEnergy Research. DOI 10.1007/s12155-014-9503-z. It can be viewed online at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12155-014-9503-z
