“The aviation sector grapples with mounting pressure to decarbonize.” In the United States, groundbreaking research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that switchgrass, a prairie species, is a promising source for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The research highlights the economic and environmental advantages of cultivating modern energy-type switchgrass cultivars.
Sustainable aviation fuel is crucial for reducing air travel's carbon footprint. The U.S. Department of Energy aims to produce 35 billion gallons of SAF by 2050, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by half. Switchgrass requires less nitrogen fertilizer than corn and provides soil stabilization and nutrient cycling.
Two extensive field studies in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota used high-yielding cultivars like Independence, Liberty, and Carthage. Economic analysis showed that energy-type cultivars outperformed forage varieties. Optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates varied regionally, emphasizing the need for localized nutrient management.
Profitability corresponded with USDA plant hardiness zones: Independence in zone 6a, Liberty in zone 5b, and Carthage in zone 4b. This suggests cultivar selection can be tailored to regional climates. This enhances opportunities for farmers to reclaim marginal lands, making switchgrass a robust tool for green energy.
Ecosystem service benefits were evaluated in Illinois, comparing switchgrass to continuous no-till corn. Nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching were reduced by up to 80% in switchgrass systems. This is attributed to lower nitrogen fertilizer application, significantly mitigating greenhouse gases and nutrient pollution.
Carbon dioxide emissions were higher beneath switchgrass due to its extensive root system, which stores about 10 megagrams of carbon per hectare. Switchgrass thrives on marginal lands, reducing competition with food crops. This minimizes land-use change risks, enhancing the environmental benefits of bioenergy crops.
University of Illinois professor DoKyoung Lee emphasizes that this research provides a refined understanding of switchgrass performance. The sustained carbon storage capacity of switchgrass roots strengthens its role in climate-smart agriculture. With continued refinement, switchgrass could power the jets of tomorrow, grounding a future where sustainable fuels soar.