Category Value Units Source/Notes Value Units Source/Notes

Composition*

Moisture (%) 15.00% delivered Aden et al. 2002 58.00% delivered Chemtex

Hemicellulose 21.1 % on dry basis Aden et al. 2002 30 % on dry basis Biomass Energy Data Book 2010

Cellulose 37.4 % on dry basis Aden et al. 2002 31 % on dry basis Biomass Energy Data Book 2010

Lignin 18 % on dry basis Aden et al. 2002 21 % on dry basis Biomass Energy Data Book 2010

Cultivation

Yield Growth 0.75% % yield change / yr Thomson et al. 2009 2.00% % yield change / yr not in literature; Lewandowski et al 2003 yields will likely impr

2.04% % yield change / yr 2010 Beach et. al, p. D-9

Crop Yield (Current) 4.5 to 5 dry tons / acre RIA 1.1.2.2 15 dry tons/acre Alabama; Bransby 2010 (tab 5)

15-20 dry tons/acre

Alabama; predicted for commercial 

scale fields; Bransby 1999

18.4 dry tons/acre

Chemtex petition; Lewandoski et al 

2003

Crop Yield (2022) 6.59 dry tons/acre

Nat'l Avg, 2022 RFS2 Control 

Case (FASOM) 18 dry tons/acre

assumes 2% increase; 15 dry tons/acre 

as 2012 value

7.75 wet tons/acre

Nat'l Avg, 2022 RFS2 Control 

Case (FASOM)

Irrigation None Thomson et al. 2009 None/moderate Grows without irrigation but moderate irrigation improves yie

None Chemtex

Soil management Zero tillage 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-36 Zero tillage Chemtex

Crop Inputs

N Fertilizer (2022) 100 lbs per acre 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-39 89.2 lbs per acre

up to 100 kg/ha/yr especially in 

nitrogen-poor soils; Bassam 2010 (tab 

17)

15.2 lbs/dry ton

Nat'l Avg, 2022 RFS2 Control 

Case (FASOM) (assumes yield 

of 6.59 dry tons/acre) 4.956 lbs/dry ton Assumes 18 dry tons/acre

Phosphorus Fertilizer (2022) 40 lbs per acre 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-42 89.2-178.4 lbs per acre

Bassam 2010 and Lewandowski 2003 

recommend some phosphorous 

application on poor soil. 100-200 kg/ha 

is an estimate based on several studies. 

See Angelini 2009 (tab 7)and Bassam 

2010.

6.1 lbs/dry ton 7.4 lbs/dry ton

Assumes 134 lbs/acre (midpoint of 

range) and yield of 18 dry tons/acre

Potassium 40.0 lbs per acre 89.2-178.4 lbs per acre

Angelini 2004 = 200 kg/ha

Lewandowski 2003 = if soil is poor

Angelini 2009 = 100 kg/ha

6.1 lbs/dry ton 7.4 lbs/dry ton

Assumes 134 lbs/acre (midpoint of 

range) and yield of 18 dry tons/acre

Sulfur

Switchgrass Arundo Donax
Herbicide 0.01 lbs per acre 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-44 0.3 lbs per acre

Chemtex; Bassam 2010 suggests no 

herbicide is needed unless stem 

cuttings are used for establishment

0.00 lbs/dry ton 0.017 lbs/dry ton Assumes 18 dry tons/acre

Pesticide 0.1-0.2 lbs per acre 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-45 0 lbs per acre

Lewandowski et al 2003; Bassam 2010 

states that giant reed is one of the most 

pest-resistant plants.

0.02276176 lbs/dry ton 0 lbs/dry ton

Fungicide 0 lbs per acre 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-46 0 lbs per acre Chemtex

0 lbs/dry ton

Lime 0 lbs per acre 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-46 0 lbs per acre Chemtex

0.0 lbs/dry ton

Diesel 2.8-3.0 gal/acre (varies by region) 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-51 6.7 gal/acre Chemtex

0.44006 gal/dry ton 0.3722 gal/dry ton

25 gal/acre

Based on diesel use for sugarcane (thick 

stem may be more comparable to 

arundo donax)

1.389 gal/dry ton

Gasoline 0 gal/acre 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-52 0 gal/acre Chemtex

Electricity 0 kWh/acre 2010 Beach et. al, p. A-54

Might want to assume some electricity 

for irrigation

Ethanol Conversion

Ethanol Conversion Rate (2022) 81.23 gal/wet ton

RFS2 FRM FASOM based on 

NREL(2008) 28.6 gal/wet ton Chemtex (current)

92.30 gal/dry ton RFS2 71.6 gal/dry ton Chemtex (current)

Ethanol Conversion Rate (2013)

Conversion Improvement Rate 7.49% % yield change / yr RFS2 FRM (FASOM)

Coproducts

Lignin 26.4% % by volume 2010 Beach et. al, p. D-13 21.0% % by weight (dry basis)

Lignin Use Electricity Steam and Electricity production

Conversion Energy Inputs

Biomass Use 61,001 Btu/gal Enzymatic (RFS2 FRM)

Purchased Electricity (12,249) Btu/gal

Enzymatic, electiricity sold to 

grid (RFS2 FRM)

Sold Electricity

NG Use - Btu/gal Enzymatic (RFS2 FRM)

Coal Use - Btu/gal Enzymatic (RFS2 FRM)

Diesel Use - Btu/gal Enzymatic (RFS2 FRM)

Other Inputs - Btu/gal Enzymatic (RFS2 FRM)

Growing Regions

Switchgrass Harvested Acres by Region (2022)

Region Million acres

Percentage of switchgrass 

acres

Kansas 2.66 21%

Missouri 1.73 14%

Texas 1.70 14%

Oklahoma 1.33 11%

Arkansas 1.13 9%

Ohio 0.89 7%

Kentucky 0.73 6%

NorthCarolina 0.64 5%

Tennessee 0.60 5%

Louisiana 0.51 4%
Wisconsin 0.49 4%

Florida 0.18 1%

NewHampshire - 0%

Source: RFS2 FRM (FASOM)

References

Aden, A, et. al, Lignocellulosic Biomass to Ethanol Process Design and Economics Utilizing Co-Current Dilute Acid Prehydrolysis and Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Corn Stover. June 2002.

Beach et. Al. U.S. Agricultural and Forestry Impacts of the Energy Independence and Security Act: FASOM Results and Model Description. 2010. Docket Number: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3178

*The NREL modeling used corn stover as a "model feedstock" and these results were extended to switchgrass given the assumption that their compositions would be similar.

Bransby, David. Auburn University. "Exceptionally High Yields and Soil Carbon Sequestration Recorded for Giant Reed in Alabama." 2010. (tab 5)

Bransby, David. Auburn University. "Fibercane: a new, perennial, non-wood fiber crop for the sourthern United States." http://www.aaic.org/99progrm.htm

Nasir El Bassam, Handbook of Bioenergy Crops: A Complete Reference to Species, Development and Applications (Earthscan 2010) (tab 17)
dowski et al 2003 yields will likely improve through breeding efforts

n but moderate irrigation improves yields; Lewandowski et al 2003
Arundo Donax Yields (assumed 2% annual increase given status as undeveloped energy crop)

Source 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Bransby 2010 15.0 15.3 15.6 15.9 16.2 16.6 16.9 17.2

Current Yields

Switchgrass and Arundo Donax Crop Area Compari

Assuming 5 dry tons/acre switchgrass yield

33.33333 Assuming 15 dry tons/acre adx yield

100 acres of switchgrass =

500 dry tons of switchgrass biomass

500 dry tons of adx =

33 acres of adx

To produce the same amount of biomass, arundo do

33% of the land area required by switchgrass.
2020 2021 2022

17.6 17.9 18.3

Assumed 2022 Yields

do Donax Crop Area Comparison Switchgrass and Arundo Donax Crop Area Comparison

cre switchgrass yield Assuming 6.6 dry tons/acre switchgrass yield

acre adx yield Assuming 18 dry tons/acre adx yield

100 acres of switchgrass =

grass biomass 660 dry tons of switchgrass biomass

660 dry tons of adx =

36.7 acres of adx

To produce the same amount of biomass, arundo donax requires 

37% of the land area required by switchgrass.

mount of biomass, arundo donax requires 

equired by switchgrass.
ndo donax requires 
Category Source

Nitrogen Fertilizer 15.2 lbs/dry ton 5.0 lbs/dry ton

Phosphorus Fertilizer 6.1 lbs/dry ton 7.4 lbs/dry ton

Potassium Fertilizer 6.1 lbs/dry ton 7.4 lbs/dry ton

Herbicide 0.002 lbs/dry ton 0.02 lbs/dry ton

Pesticide 0.022762 lbs/dry ton 0 lbs/dry ton

Lime 0 lbs/dry ton 0.0 lbs/dry ton

Diesel 0.4 gal/dry ton 1.4 gal/dry ton

Electricity (irrigation) 0 kWh/dry ton 10.0 kWh/dry ton

Assumes switchgrass yield of 6.59 dry tons/acre and arundo donax yield of 18 dry tons/acre in 2022.

Sources: 2022 Nat'l Avg RFS2 Control Case (FASOM); 2010 Beach et al; 

Inputs are linked to Emissions tabs.

Switchgrass Arundo Donax
Emissions Calculations for Biochemical Ethanol

Category

N2O Emissions 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 53583

g CO2eq/

dry ton 

biomass 7639

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Nitrogen Fertilizer 15.2 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of 

nitrogen/lbs of 

nitrogen 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 3291413.998

g CO2eq/

ton of 

nitrogen 3561

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Phosphorus Fertilizer 6.1 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of P/lbs of 

P 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 1123158.905

g CO2eq/

ton of 

phosphate 486

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Potassium Fertilizer 6.1 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of K/lbs of 

K 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 742545.7661

g CO2eq/

ton of 

potassium 321

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Herbicide 0.002 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons 

herbicide/

lbs herbicide 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 23450278.67

gCO2eq/

tons of 

herbicide 2.5

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Pesticide (average across 

regions) 0.0227618 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons pesticide/

lbs pesticide 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 27216586.75

gCO2eq/

tons of 

pesticide 44.2

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Lime 0

lbs/

dry ton 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Diesel 0.4 gal/dry ton 0.13

mmBTU 

diesel/

gal diesel 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 96551.365

gCO2eq/

mmBTU 

diesel 787

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Electricity (irrigation) 0 kWh/dry ton

Total 

Emissions 12841

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Category

N2O Emissions 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 33808

g CO2eq/

dry ton 

biomass 4820

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Nitrogen Fertilizer 5.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of 

nitrogen/lbs of 

nitrogen 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 3291414.00

g CO2eq/

ton of 

nitrogen 1163

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Phosphorus Fertilizer 7.4 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of P/lbs of 

P 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 1123158.905

g CO2eq/

ton of 

phosphate 596

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Potassium Fertilizer 7.4 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of K/lbs of 

K 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 742545.7661

g CO2eq/

ton of 

potassium 394

Switchgrass Inputs

Arundo Donax Inputs

Conversions Emissions/mmbtu fuel
Herbicide 0.02 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons 

herbicide/

lbs herbicide 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 23450278.67

gCO2eq/

tonsof 

herbicide 28

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Pesticide 0 lbs/dry ton 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Lime 0.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

ton lime/

lbs lime 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 408231

gCO2eq/

ton of lime 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Diesel 1.4 gal/dry ton 0.13

mmBTU/

gal diesel 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 96551.365

gCO2eq/

mmBTU 

diesel 2485

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Electricity (irrigation) 10.0 kWh/dry ton 0.0034

mmBtu/

kWh 0.01083424

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.31579E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 219,824

gCO2eq/

mmBtu 1069

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Total 

Emissions 10554

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Difference -2287

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel
Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:72

Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:86
Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:72
Emissions Calculations for Thermochemical Ethanol

Ethanol yield = 74.9 gal/dry ton

LHV Mixed alcohols = 89480 btu/gal

Category

N2O Emissions 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 53583

g CO2eq/

dry ton 

biomass 7995

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Nitrogen Fertilizer 15.2 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of 

nitrogen/lbs of 

nitrogen 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 3291413.998

g CO2eq/

ton of 

nitrogen 3728

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Phosphorus Fertilizer 6.1 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of P/lbs of 

P 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 1123158.905

g CO2eq/

ton of 

phosphate 509

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Potassium Fertilizer 6.1 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of K/lbs of 

K 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 742545.7661

g CO2eq/

ton of 

potassium 336

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Herbicide 0.002 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons 

herbicide/

lbs herbicide 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 23450278.67

gCO2eq/

tons of 

herbicide 3

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Pesticide (average across 

regions) 0.0227618 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons pesticide/

lbs pesticide 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 27216586.75

gCO2eq/

tons of 

pesticide 46

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Lime 0

lbs/

dry ton 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Diesel 0.4 gal/dry ton 0.13

mmBTU 

diesel/

gal diesel 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 96551.365

gCO2eq/

mmBTU 

diesel 824

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Electricity (irrigation) 0 kWh/dry ton

Total 

Emissions 13440

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Category

N2O Emissions 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 33808

g CO2eq/

dry ton 

biomass 5044

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Nitrogen Fertilizer 5.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of 

nitrogen/lbs of 

nitrogen 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 3291414.00

g CO2eq/

ton of 

nitrogen 1217

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Phosphorus Fertilizer 7.4 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of P/lbs of 

P 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 1123158.905

g CO2eq/

ton of 

phosphate 624

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Potassium Fertilizer 7.4 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of K/lbs of 

K 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 742545.7661

g CO2eq/

ton of 

potassium 412

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Switchgrass Inputs

Arundo Donax Inputs

Conversions Emissions/mmbtu fuel
Herbicide 0.02 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons 

herbicide/

lbs herbicide 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 23450278.67

gCO2eq/

tonsof 

herbicide 29

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Pesticide 0 lbs/dry ton 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Lime 0.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

ton lime/

lbs lime 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 408231

gCO2eq/

ton of lime 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Diesel 1.4 gal/dry ton 0.13

mmBTU/

gal diesel 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 96551.365

gCO2eq/

mmBTU 

diesel 2601

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Electricity (irrigation) 10.0 kWh/dry ton 0.0034

mmBtu/

kWh 0.01335113

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 1.11757E-05

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 219,824

gCO2eq/

mmBtu 1119

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Total 

Emissions 11047

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Difference -2394

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel
Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:72

Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:86
Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:72
Emissions Calculations for F-T Diesel

Ethanol yield = 58.6 gal/dry ton

F-T diesel LHV 115439 btu/gallon

Category

N2O Emissions 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 53583

g CO2eq/

dry ton 

biomass 7921

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Nitrogen Fertilizer 15.2 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of 

nitrogen/lbs of 

nitrogen 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 3291413.998

g CO2eq/

ton of 

nitrogen 3693

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Phosphorus Fertilizer 6.1 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of P/lbs of 

P 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 1123158.905

g CO2eq/

ton of 

phosphate 504

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Potassium Fertilizer 6.1 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of K/lbs of 

K 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 742545.7661

g CO2eq/

ton of 

potassium 333

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Herbicide 0.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons 

herbicide/

lbs herbicide 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 23450278.67

gCO2eq/

tons of 

herbicide 3

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Pesticide (average across 

regions) 0.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons pesticide/

lbs pesticide 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 27216586.75

gCO2eq/

tons of 

pesticide 46

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Lime 0.0

lbs/

dry ton 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Diesel 0.4 gal/dry ton 0.13

mmBTU 

diesel/

gal diesel 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 96551.365

gCO2eq/

mmBTU 

diesel 817

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Electricity (irrigation) 0.0 kWh/dry ton

Total 

Emissions 13316

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Category

N2O Emissions 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 33808

g CO2eq/

dry ton 

biomass 4998

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Nitrogen Fertilizer 5.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of 

nitrogen/lbs of 

nitrogen 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 3291414.00

g CO2eq/

ton of 

nitrogen 1206

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Phosphorus Fertilizer 7.4 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of P/lbs of 

P 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 1123158.905

g CO2eq/

ton of 

phosphate 618

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Potassium Fertilizer 7.4 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons of K/lbs of 

K 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 742545.7661

g CO2eq/

ton of 

potassium 409

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Switchgrass Inputs

Arundo Donax Inputs

Conversions Emissions/mmbtu fuel
Herbicide 0.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

tons 

herbicide/

lbs herbicide 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 23450278.67

gCO2eq/

tonsof 

herbicide 29

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Pesticide 0 lbs/dry ton 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Lime 0.0 lbs/dry ton 0.0005

ton lime/

lbs lime 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 408231

gCO2eq/

ton of lime 0

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Diesel 1.4 gal/dry ton 0.13

mmBTU/

gal diesel 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 96551.365

gCO2eq/

mmBTU 

diesel 2577

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Electricity (irrigation) 10.0 kWh/dry ton 0.0034

mmBtu/

kWh 0.01706485

dry ton 

biomass/

gallons fuel 8.66258E-06

gallons 

fuel/

btu fuel 219,824

gCO2eq/

mmBtu 1109

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Total 

Emissions 10945

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel

Difference -2371

gCO2eq/

mmbtu 

fuel
Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:72

Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:86
Emission factor from: EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0161-3174.12, Cell: 'Emission Factors' DR:72

Could we assume the same 

amount of diesel used for 

switchgrass?
N2O Equations and Factors

Source: IPCC (2006). 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Vol. 4: Agriculture, Forestry; and Other L

Direct N2O Emissions

Direct Emissions (Overall Equation)

Emissions =

EF for N additions from mineral fertilizer and crop residues =

N Additions from Mineral Fertilizers

N additions to soils from mineral fertilizers =

N Additions from Crop Residues

N additions to soils from crop residues =

where,

Above-ground residue dry matter =

Crop residue summary equation [see Crop Residue Defaults tab fro explanation of letters]

N additions to soils from crop residues =

Indirect N2O Emissions

Note that for indirect emissions, the calculation of N applied to soils from fertilizers or crop residues is the same as for direct em

Indirect Emissions from Volatilization

Emissions =

N lost (from synthetic fertilizer additions) through volatilization =

EF for N lost through volatilization =

Indirect Emissions from Leaching/Runoff

Emissions =

N lost through leaching/runoff (from all N sources) =

EF for N lost through leaching/runoff =

Yield assumptions:

Arundo Donax 18 dry tons/acre = 40320 kg/ha

Switchgrass: 6.59 dry tons/acre = 14773.01 kg/ha
nhouse Gas Inventories. Vol. 4: Agriculture, Forestry; and Other Land Use.

Equation

(N additions to soils from mineral fertilizer + N additions to soils from 

crop residues) × EF (100+297.6)*0.01 3.976 kg N20-N

0.01 kg N2O-N / kg N added

kg fertilizer N applied to soils (i.e., change in fertilizer N applications 

between current and projected year) 100 kg/ha

above-ground residue dry matter × Crop Area × [N content of 

aboveground residues + ratio of belowground residues to harvested 

yield for crop × N content of belowground residues]

12096 kg/ha × 1 

ha × [0.015 + 0.80 

× 0.012] 297.6 kg

Fresh weight yield (kg fresh weight harvested/ha) × dry matter 

fraction of harvested crop × slope + intercept

40320 kg/ha x 0.3 

+ 0 12096 kg/ha

 Defaults tab fro explanation of letters]

(B / A × C × D + E) × A × (F + G × H)

 soils from fertilizers or crop residues is the same as for direct emissions

Equation

N additions to soils from mineral fertilizers × N lost through 

volatilization × EF 100*0.1*0.01 0.1 kg N2O-N

0.1 (kg NH3–N + NOx–N) / kg N applied

0.010 kg N2O–N / (kg NH3–N + NOX–N volatilised)

Equation

(N additions to soils from mineral fertilizers + N additions to soils 

from crop residues) × N lost through leaching or runoff × EF

(100+297.6)*0.3*0

.0075 0.895 kg N2O-N

0.3 N losses by leaching or runoff / kg N addition

0.0075 kg N20-N / kg N leaching or runoff

TOTAL (per ha) 4.971 kg N2O-N/ha

1506 kg CO2eq/ha

608.5 kg CO2eq/acre

33.81 kg CO2eq/dry ton biomass

33808 g CO2eq/dry ton biomass

Arundo Donax
(112+109.02)*0.01 2.2102 kg N20-N

112 kg/ha

4431.9 kg/ha × 1 ha 

× [0.015 + 0.80 × 

0.012] 109.02 kg 

14773.012 kg/ha x 

0.3 + 0 4431.9 kg/ha

112*0.1*0.01 0.112 kg N2O-N

(112+109.02)*0.3*0

.0075 0.4973 kg N2O-N

kg N2O-N/ha 2.8195 kg N2O-N

kg CO2eq/ha 874.04 kg CO2eq/ha

kg CO2eq/acre 353.11 kg CO2eq/acre

kg CO2eq/dry ton biomass 53.583 kg CO2eq/dry ton biomass

g CO2eq/dry ton biomass 53583 g CO2eq/dry ton biomass

53.583

Switchgrass
Table 11.2 DEFAULT FACTORS FOR ESTIMATION OF N ADDED TO SOILS FROM CROP RESIDUES a 

A B C D E F G H

Crop Crop Area

Crop 

Harvested

Dry matter 

fraction of 

harvested 

product 

(DRY) 

N content 

of aboveground 

residues 

(NAG) 

Ratio of 

belowground 

residues to 

aboveground 

biomass 

(RBG-BIO) 

N content 

of belowground 

residues 

(NBG) 

Slope 

± 2 s.d. as 

% of mean Intercept 

± 2 s.d. as 

% of mean R

2

 adj. 

Units ha kg

Major crop types 

Grains 0.88 1.09 ± 2% 0.88 ± 6% 0.65 0.006 0.22 0.009

Beans & pulsesb 0.91 1.13 ± 19% 0.85 ± 56% 0.28 0.008 0.19 0.008

Tubersc 0.22 0.10 ± 69% 1.06 ± 70% 0.18 0.019 0.20 0.014

Root crops, otherd 0.94 1.07 ± 19% 1.54 ± 41% 0.63 0.016 0.20 0.014

N-fixing forages 0.90 0.30 ± 50% default 0.00 - - 0.027 0.40 0.022

Non-N-fixing forages 0.90 0.30 ± 50% default 0.00 - - 0.015 0.54 0.012

Perennial grasses 1 0.90 0.30 ± 50% default 0.00 - - 0.015 0.80 0.012

Grass-clover mixtures 0.90 0.30 ± 50% default 0.00 - - 0.025 0.80 0.016

Individual crops 

Maize 0.87 1.03 ± 3% 0.61 ± 19% 0.76 0.006 0.22 0.007

Wheat 0.89 1.51 ± 3% 0.52 ± 17% 0.68 0.006 0.24 0.009

Rice 0.89 0.95 ±19% 2.46 ± 41% 0.47 0.007 0.16 NA 

Barley 0.89 0.98 ± 8% 0.59 ± 41% 0.68 0.007 0.22 0.014

Oats 0.89 0.91 ± 5% 0.89 ± 8% 0.45 0.007 0.25 0.008

Millet 0.90 1.43 ± 18% 0.14 ± 308% 0.50 0.007 NA NA 

Sorghum 0.89 0.88 ± 13% 1.33 ± 27% 0.36 0.007 NA 0.006

Ryee

0.88 1.09 ± 50% default 0.88 ± 50% default - 0.005 NA 0.011

Soybeanf

0.91 0.93 ± 31% 1.35 ± 49% 0.16 0.008 0.19 0.008

Dry beang

0.90 0.36 ± 100% 0.68 ± 47% 0.15 0.010 NA 0.010

Potatoh

0.22 0.10 ± 69% 1.06 ± 70% 0.18 0.019 0.20 0.014

Peanut (w/pod)i 0.94 1.07 ± 19% 1.54 ± 41% 0.63 0.016 NA NA 

Alfalfaj

0.90 0.29 ± 31% 0.00 - - 0.027 0.40 0.019

Non-legume hayj 0.90 0.18 ± 50% default 0.00 - - 0.150 0.54 0.012

Oil Palm 0.012

Above-ground residue dry matter AGDM(T) (Mg/ha): AGDM(T) 

= Crop(T) * slope(T) + intercept(T) 
Items highlighted indicate crops where NA data has been pulled from crop categories to estimate N2O emissions in the Crop Residues N worksheet

a Source: Literature review by Stephen A. Williams, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University. (Email: stevewi@warnercnr.colostate.edu) for CASMGS (http://www.casmgs.co

of the original references is given in Annex 11A.1.

b The average above-ground residue:grain ratio from all data used was 2.0 and included data for soya bean, dry bean, lentil, cowpea, black gram, and pea.

c Modelled after potatoes.

d Modelled after peanuts.

e No data for rye. Slope and intercept values are those for all grain. Default s.d.

f The average above-ground residue:grain ratio from all data used was 1.9.

g Ortega, 1988 (see Annex 11A.1). The average above-ground residue:grain ratio from this single source was 1.6. default s.d. for root:AGB.

h The mean value for above-ground residue:tuber ratio in the sources used was 0.27 with a standard error of 0.04.

I The mean value for above-ground residue: pod yield in the sources used was 1.80 with a standard error of 0.10.

j Single source. Default s.d. for root:AGB.

k This is the average above-ground biomass reported as litter or harvest losses. This does not include reported stubble, which averaged 0.165 x Reported Yields. Default s.d.

l Estimate of root turnover to above-ground production based on the assumption that in natural grass systems below-ground biomass is approximately equal to twice (one to three times) the above-g

root turnover in these systems averages about 40% (30% to 50%) per year. Default s.d.

m This is an estimate of non-tuber roots based on the root:shoot values found for other crops. If unmarketable tuber yield is returned to the soil then data are derived from Vangessel and Renner, 19

(unmarketable yield = 0.08 * marketable yield = 0.29 * above-ground biomass) suggest that the total residues returned might then be on the order of 0.49 * above-ground biomass. Default s.d.

n This is an estimate of root turnover in perennial systems. Default s.d.

p It is assumed here that grass dominates the system by 2 to 1 over legumes.

Khalid, H; ZZ Zin, and JM Anderson. "Decomposition Processes and Nutrient Release Patterns of Oil Palm Residues." Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 12 No. I, June 2000, p. 46-63

http://palmoilis.mpob.gov.my/publications/joprv12n1-46.pdf

TABLE 1. RESOURCE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF FRESH OIL PALM RESIDUES 

Nutrient Leaflet Rachis Trunk Root 

N 2.66 0.44 0.58 0.41

P 0.15 0.05 0.06 0.04

K 1.33 1.8 1.86 0.9

Ca 0.62 0.55 0.38 0.07

Mg 0.26 0.17 0.15 0.11

SiO, 1.55 0.39 0.84 0.52

C 47.91 47.34 47.77 48

C/N ratio 18 107 82 117

Lignin 24.96 20.96 18.14 23.77

Lignin/N ratio 9.38 47.64 31.28 57.98

Holocellulose 69.86 73.85 83.06 67.39

%

for CASMGS (http://www.casmgs.colostate.edu/). A list

ce (one to three times) the above-ground biomass and that

ved from Vangessel and Renner, 1990 (see Annex 11A.1)

ground biomass. Default s.d.

 I, June 2000, p. 46-63
USDA: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/arudon/all.html

http://plants.usda.gov/java/nameSearch?keywordquery=arundo+donax&mode=sciname