Citation

Lockeretz, W., Crop residues for energy: comparative costs and benefits for the farmer, the energy facility, and the public. Energy in Agriculture 1: 71-89, 1981.

Abstract

Lockeretz. W. 1981. Crop residues for energy: comparative costs and benefits for the farmer, the energy facility, and the public. Energy Agric. 1:71-89. The costs of using crop residues for energy are classified according to whether they are cash or opportunity costs, direct or indirect consequences of residue use, incurred immediately or deferred over an extended period, and borne by the farmer or energy user as private entrepreneurs or by society as a whole. Estimates of some of these costs are given for maize residues in the North Central United States, including collection and transportation costs, nutrient losses, and erosion-related yield losses. Other costs, including loss of soil organic matter and off-site damage, are described qualitatively. The value of crop resides in ethanol production and as a power plant boiler fuel are estimated. This value is comparable to the immediate, direct costs of residue removal (collection and transportation). Therefore a farmer who chooses to sell residues at this price, without taking account of the remaining costs, is not receiving adequate compensation. In addition, such a transaction would entail further social costs. The need to reconcile soil conservation incentives and subsidies for renewable energy is discussed in the light of this finding.

Country, State, District, etc.

United States, midwest

Language

English

Material

maize

Use category

energy production