Comparative productivity of six bioenergy cropping systems on marginal lands in the Great Lakes Region, USA

Growing lignocellulosic crops on marginal lands is a promising solution for sustainable biofuel production. We evaluated the productivity of bioenergy cropping systems [switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L., var. Cave-In-Rock), miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus, “Illinois clone”), hybrid poplar (Populus nigra P. maximowiczii A. Henry ‘NM6’), native grasses (five species), early successional vegetation, and restored prairie vs. historical vegetation (as reference control)] with without nitrogen fertilization low-fertility former croplands at five sites in Great Lakes Region, USA. report biomass yields first seven years after establishment. Switchgrass was most consistently productive across all but more three sites. When averaged sites, years, N treatments, followed order > switchgrass ≈ varied substantially by crop site, significant site interaction. Yields peaked 4-5 growing seasons declined thereafter, while both increased through six no sign follow-on decline, suggesting polycultures may outperform monocultures over long-term. vegetation—similar composition to each site—did not improve time. Nitrogen Our results demonstrate viability low-productivity cropland long-term production suggest there single best suited low fertility soils. This article protected copyright. All rights reserved