TITLE:
Bioenergy: Examining the Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Biomass as a Source of Sustainable Renewable Energy in Louisiana
AUTHORS:
Priscilla M. Loh, Yaw A. Twumasi, Zhu H. Ning, Matilda Anokye, Recheal N. D. Armah, Caroline Y. Apraku, Judith Oppong, John B. Namwamba, Lucinda Kangwana, Janeth Mjema
KEYWORDS:
Biofuels, Agricultural Crops, Ethanol, Biodiesel, Marginal Lands, Louisiana
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Sustainable Bioenergy Systems,
Vol.13 No.3,
September
15,
2023
ABSTRACT: The use
of renewable energy is steadily being adopted as a mitigative measure for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By assessing biomass production and
consumption estimates from Louisiana parishes, this study examines the
utilization of agricultural biomass as a convenient renewable energy source,
and the potential of marginal lands for growing bioenergy crops in Louisiana.
This was achieved by retrieving parish-level acreage production of some biofuel
crops recorded in 2021 using the Quick Stats Database, to map out the spatial
locations and distribution of the biofuel crops. To examine the potential of
Louisiana’s marginal lands in bioenergy crop production, data was obtained from
the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database and mapped-out according to the
eight Land Capability Classes numbered I-VIII. The results of the mapped-out acreage data
revealed that 25% of the 64 parishes including Morehouse recorded high corn
production estimates, while 43%, such as East Carroll, recorded high soybean
production. Meanwhile, cotton production estimates were relatively low, as
recorded in only 9 parishes, with one parish, Tensas, having the highest
acreage production of around 23,000. Although the identified marginal lands in
parishes such as Allen and Vernon had no records of corn, soybean, or cotton
production, the soil survey database revealed that these marginal lands have
high nutrient soils like Alfisols, Entisols and Inceptisols with optimal nutrient
balance essential for high yield bioenergy crop production. Hence, this paper
highlights Louisiana’s agricultural biomass to be leveraged as sustainable
renewable sources while adhering to clear production guidelines, biofuel
sustainability certification, and internationally agreed sustainability
criteria.