Removing too much crop waste for bioenergy could come at a cost to biodiversity, study finds
Crop residues—the stems, leaves and husks left behind after harvesting cereals—could provide an important source of renewable energy for Europe, but research led by the University of Surrey suggests that removing too much from fields could come at a cost to biodiversity.
Crop residues—stems, leaves and husks left behind after harvesting cereals—could provide renewable energy for Europe, but excessive removal might harm biodiversity, according to a study by the University of Surrey. While some residue is already used for fuel, animal feed or left on fields to benefit wildlife, researchers found that leaving at least 70% of residues on fields results in greater local biodiversity compared to areas where less is retained.
The amount of residue left was a stronger indicator of biodiversity than crop yields, emphasizing the importance of proper management. Professor Zoe M. Harris warned that increasing residue removal for bioenergy could negatively impact biodiversity, particularly in regions with high residue retention. However, the study suggests redirecting residues away from animal feed and bedding could help balance the need for renewable energy with the protection of ecosystems.
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