Greenhouse Gas Emissions From High Biomass Sorghum Cropping System in Central Texas.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates production of renewable biofuels to meet designated domestic energy demands while simultaneously reducing life cycle greenhouse gas emissions. It is believed that multiple plant-based feedstocks, adapted to specific regional environments, will need to be produced to meet biofuel production demands. One such feedstock with widespread production is sorghum. Particularly, high biomass sorghum has been touted as a superior biofuel feedstock due to its high yield potential, composition, high water-use-efficiency, and drought tolerance. The impact of high biomass sorghum on soil quality and greenhouse gas emissions has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impacts of crop rotation, N fertilization, and residue management on greenhouse gas (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) emissions from high biomass sorghum production in central Texas. This important information is part of a larger study evaluating the carbon life cycle of the cropping system and defining a crop management system which can produce large amounts of biomass while sustaining soil quality and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Initial sampling data presented represents greenhouse gas emissions from the 2010 growing season. Further investigation is necessary to determine cumulative greenhouse gas emissions from the cropping system and determine overall sustainability.