Environmental and economic analysis of switchgrass production for water quality improvement in northeast Kansas

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 79; no. 4; pp. 336 - 347
• Main Authors: Nelson, Richard G., Ascough, James C., Langemeier, Michael R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2006; Elsevier; Academic Press Ltd
• Subjects: Agricultural economics; agricultural runoff; Alternative energy sources; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; bioenergy; Biological and medical sciences; biomass; Commodity crops; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; cost benefit analysis; Costs and Cost Analysis; crop production; Crops, Agricultural; econometric models; Economic analysis; economic impact; Environment; Environmental economics; environmental impact; environmental indicators; Environmental management; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Kansas; nitrate nitrogen; nitrogen fertilizers; Panicum virgatum; Poaceae - growth & development; point source pollution; pollution load; Sediment yield; Simulation; simulation models; Soil and Water Assessment Tool model; Soil erosion; Surface runoff; SWAT model; Switchgrass production; Water - standards; Water quality; water quality analysis; watersheds; Kansas; United States; North America; America; USA, Kansas; USA, Delaware; Economic analysis; Soil erosion; Switchgrass production; Water quality; SWAT model; Sediment yield; Commodity crops; Surface runoff; Monocotyledones; Production quality; Environmental management; Panicum virgatum; Gramineae; Angiospermae; Spermatophyta; Environmental monitoring; Environment quality
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.07.013

The primary objectives of this research were to determine SWAT model predicted reductions in four water quality indicators (sediment yield, surface runoff, nitrate nitrogen (NO
3–N) in surface runoff, and edge-of-field erosion) associated with producing switchgrass (
Panicum virgatum) on cropland in the Delaware basin in northeast Kansas, and evaluate switchgrass break-even prices. The magnitude of potential switchgrass water quality payments based on using switchgrass as an alternative energy source was also estimated. SWAT model simulations showed that between 527,000 and 1.27 million metric tons (Mg) of switchgrass could be produced annually across the basin depending upon nitrogen (N) fertilizer application levels (0–224 kg
N
ha
−1). The predicted reductions in sediment yield, surface runoff, NO
3–N in surface runoff, and edge-of-field erosion as a result of switchgrass plantings were 99, 55, 34, and 98%, respectively. The average annual cost per hectare for switchgrass ranged from about $190 with no N applied to around $345 at 224
kg
N
ha
−1 applied. Edge-of-field break-even price per Mg ranged from around $41 with no N applied to slightly less than $25 at 224
kg
N
ha
−1 applied. A majority of the switchgrass produced had an edge-of-field break-even price of $30
Mg
−1 or less. Savings of at least 50% in each of the four water quality indicators could be attained for an edge-of-field break-even price of $22–$27.49
Mg
−1.