Can bioenergy crops play a role in carbon sequestration?
Yes. Most bioenergy crops are perennial, which means that they grow over multiple years rather than being harvested each year. Because they are grown for 5-15 years on one site, they create extensive rooting systems that are sources of below-ground carbon storage. This below-ground carbon and associated organic matter also contributes to improving soil quality and nutrient reserves. The tree crops also store carbon in their aboveground stems and branches, that continues to be stored until the trees are harvested for energy production. Of course, using the trees for energy also helps off-set carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, by substituting for the burning of fossil fuels.
