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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment » Soil, Water & Air Resources Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #300950
Title: Resource Assessment and Tools

Author
item Karlen, Douglas
item MUTH, DAVID - Praxik Llc

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/3/2013
Publication Date: 12/11/2013
Citation: Karlen, D.L., Muth, D.J. 2013. Resource Assessment and Tools. 3rd Sino-U.S. Advanced Biofuels Forum, December 9-13, 2013, Beijing, China. Available at: http://www.ebiomass.cn/meeting/forum2013/hynr/huiyidongtai_nr10.html.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Various resource assessment strategies and tools are needed to ensure bioenergy feedstock materials are produced, harvested, and transported in a sustainable manner. This presentation highlights research accomplishments by the USDA-ARS Renewable Energy Assessment Project (REAP) team along with our university and private industry cooperators. The LEAF (Landscape Environmental Assessment Framework) environmental process modeling toolkit developed using field data provided by the REAP team to validate and verify the model will also be discussed. Projections developed using LEAF will be used to illustrate how various conservation practices (e.g. cover crops, reduced- or no-tillage practices, and vegetative bufferes) can be used to significantly increase sustainable feedstock supplies. Recommendations to achieve sustainable supplies of biomass feedstock include reducing tillage intensity, utilizing cover crops, and implementing sub-field stover harvest and tillage management practices.