So, how much nitrogen run-off is there?
Data from sites in the Southeastern U.S. show that after the initial year of establishment, nitrate losses under switchgrass and sweetgum decreased to less than 1 kg/ha compared with approximately 2-4 kg/ha from no-till corn. The highest N run-off was associated with rainfall occurring within a short period of time following fertilizer application in the spring – before the fertilizer had a chance to dissolve and move into the soil to be taken up by the plants. Timing and rates of application can minimize N run-off from biomass crops. This makes economic sense for the producers as well as being good environmental stewardship.
