The European Union wants to meet the needs for biofuel partially through domestic production of biomass. Being a relatively new scheme, the environmental impacts of large scale biofuel production has been brought into focus. Research groups in Europe and the US have studied the effect of various bioenergy crops on natural resources like air, water, soil and biodiversity.
Carbon Sequestration
One of the main advantages of Miscanthus Giganteus is that it is a carbon neutral crop, due to the carbon sequestration it effects, and due to the large quantities stored in its underground tissue. Since Giant Miscanthus is a C4 plant it can take in more carbon dioxide and fix it through photosynthesis.
Emissions to Air
Miscanthus Giganteus is a perennial, which once planted can be harvested for 25 years. This gives it an advantage over annual crops, which need regular ploughing every year. As Miscanthus Giganteus can be grown organically, GHG emissions due to production and application of fertilizers are spared.
Impact on Soil
In contrast to annual crops, lignocellulose crops like Miscanthus Giganteus have longer permanence. Leaf-fall in each autumn decays and increases organic matter accumulation. The deep roots of Miscanthus Giganteus add organic carbon even in deeper soil. As a result the soil structure improves.
Impact on Water Resources
Miscanthus Giganteus and eucalyptus have the least effect on water resources compared to other energy and annual food crops. In case of water, Miscanthus Giganteus has been known to improve the quality of water by decreasing concentration of nitrates.
Effect on Biodiversity
The thick leaf litter from Miscanthus Giganteus provides good cover for small wildlife before it decays. The perennial roots that go 2.5 metres into the ground aerate the soil and add organic matter providing nutrients to worms and insects, creating a rich subterranean ecosystem.
Landscape Diversity
Having more types of crops or land-use can influence biodiversity by providing different kinds of habitats. So adding Miscanthus Giganteus improves biodiversity on a larger scale.
Recommendations
Maintain a buffer of 3 to 5 metres around the Miscanthus Giganteus fields to manage hedgerows and grassland strips. This will also prevent fire from spreading. A buffer of up to 10 metres around woodland to improve bird flight into the trees.