EUBCE 2026 - Sergio Alejandro BARRIOS LATORRE - Sourcing Sustainable Agricultural Biomass: LCA Perspectives on Crop Residues and Intermediate Crops

Sourcing Sustainable Agricultural Biomass: LCA Perspectives on Crop Residues and Intermediate Crops

Short Introductive summary

Reducing reliance on fossil resources is a central goal for sustainable development, and strengthening the bioeconomy has emerged as a promising approach. However, sourcing sufficient biomass sustainably remains a challenge, as some sources compete with food production or cause indirect land use change. Co-produced crop residues offer a viable alternative, but their removal can affect soil carbon and nutrient cycles. Intermediate crops may help offset these impacts by increasing primary productivity and providing additional biomass for bioenergy. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of using crop residues and intermediate crop biomass for anaerobic digestion. The analysis integrates soil carbon modeling using the Integrated Carbon Balance Model, process-based simulations of nitrogen cycling, and life cycle assessment focusing on global warming potential, eutrophication, acidification, and particulate matter formation. Scenarios include residue removal for energy, digestate return, and adjustments to synthetic fertilizer application.

S.A. Barrios Latorre, Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet, Alnarp, SWEDEN
T. Prade, Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet, Alnarp, SWEDEN
L. Björnsson, Lund University, SWEDEN
H. Aronsson, Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet, Uppsala, SWEDEN
M. Viketoft, Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet, Uppsala, SWEDEN