By planting an intercrop of switchgrass or non-crop trees as an additional commodity for biofuels production, this may result in some competition for site resources. The introduction of a plant system that produces large amounts of belowground biomass could also contribute to the soil carbon pool on the site.
Our research is evaluating the effects of intercropping and/or biomass management on site productivity and sustainability. These research efforts will assess tree and switchgrass productivity, soil physical and chemical properties, carbon (C) storage, and cycling rates (nutrients, water, C).
Understanding the Effects of Forest Biomass Operations on Soil Sustainability and Productivity