Water Use and Water-Use Efficiency of Three Perennial Bioenergy Grass Crops in Florida

John E. Erickson, Arkorn Soikaew, Lynn E. Sollenberger and Jerry M. Bennett
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John E. Erickson: Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Arkorn Soikaew: School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Lynn E. Sollenberger: Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Jerry M. Bennett: Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

Agriculture, 2012, vol. 2, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: Over two-thirds of human water withdrawals are estimated to be used for agricultural production, which is expected to increase as demand for renewable liquid fuels from agricultural crops intensifies. Despite the potential implications of bioenergy crop production on water resources, few data are available on water use of perennial bioenergy grass crops. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare dry matter yield, water use, and water-use efficiency (WUE) of elephantgrass, energycane, and giant reed, grown under field conditions for two growing seasons in North Central Florida. Using scaled sap flow sensor data, water use ranged from about 850 to 1150 mm during the growing season, and was generally greater for giant reed and less for elephantgrass. Despite similar or greater water use by giant reed, dry biomass yields of 35 to 40 Mg ha −1 were significantly greater for energycane and elephantgrass, resulting in greater WUE. Overall, water use by the bioenergy crops was greater than the rainfall received during the study, indicating that irrigation will be needed in the region to achieve optimal yields. Species differ in water use and WUE and species selection can play an important role with regard to potential consequences for water resources.

Keywords: biomass crops; biofuels; sustainability; water use; transpiration; gas exchange; sap flow; elephantgrass; energycane; giant reed (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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