Spatial predictions of greenhouse gas emissions associated with production of Miscanthus and short rotation coppice in the UK

Estimation of the GHG mitigation potential of bioenergy crops is often constrained by lack of knowledge of pre-harvest emissions. Fossil fuel C displaced through the use of the feedstock is clearly dependent on crop yield, however to fully evaluate the benefits of bioenergy crop used we must offset against the emissions associated with production. In a UK specific study, we have combined predictions from crop production models for Short Rotation Coppice and Miscanthus with a simulation model of soil C and N dynamics (ECOSSE) to obtain emissions predictions, as functions of soil type, climate, and previous land use. This has also enabled us to generate predicted emission maps for the UK to accompany predicted yield maps from the associated crop production models. This should inform LCA studies as indicated above, and, in addition, the spatially explicit nature of the results also allows the refinement that such studies (and associated decisions) may be specifically conducted at the regional level.