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Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Biochar from Willow Grown on Marginal Lands in Finland

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  • Lauri Leppäkoski

    (Department of Sustainability Science, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53580 Lappeenranta, Finland)

  • Miika P. Marttila

    (Department of Sustainability Science, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53580 Lappeenranta, Finland)

  • Ville Uusitalo

    (Department of Sustainability Science, LUT University, Mukkulankatu 19, 15210 Lahti, Finland)

  • Jarkko Levänen

    (Department of Sustainability Science, LUT University, Mukkulankatu 19, 15210 Lahti, Finland)

  • Vilma Halonen

    (Department of Sustainability Science, LUT University, Mukkulankatu 19, 15210 Lahti, Finland)

  • Mirja H. Mikkilä

    (Department of Sustainability Science, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53580 Lappeenranta, Finland)

Abstract

Willow biochar can help to sequestrate carbon. However, biomasses should not be grown on arable lands, as it would increase competition with food production and lead to sustainability issues such as increased food prices and decreased food security. The purpose of this study is to calculate the carbon footprint (CF) of willow biochar in Finland and assess the greenhouse gas compensation potential of marginal lands if they are utilized for willow biochar production. The CF of willow biochar is inadequately assessed together with marginal lands in the literature. A cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of willow biochar was conducted. The results were then applied to assess the total CF of marginal lands. It was found that the CF of willow biochar is −1875 kgCO 2 eq t −1 of dry biochar. Grown on marginal lands in Finland, willow biochar could compensate 7.7% of yearly agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. On buffer zones, willow biochar could also compensate some of the emissions depending on the zone size. The results of the study support current findings of biochar as a carbon negative product. The study also indicates that willow biochar produced in marginal lands can be used to compensate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to some extent.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauri Leppäkoski & Miika P. Marttila & Ville Uusitalo & Jarkko Levänen & Vilma Halonen & Mirja H. Mikkilä, 2021. "Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Biochar from Willow Grown on Marginal Lands in Finland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10097-:d:632065
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    References listed on IDEAS

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