Publications by authors named "Mae Nakahata"
Biomass is a promising renewable energy option that provides a more environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil resources by reducing the net flux of greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. Yet, allometric models that allow the prediction of aboveground biomass (AGB), biomass carbon (C) stock non-destructively have not yet been developed for tropical perennial C grasses currently under consideration as potential bioenergy feedstock in Hawaii and other subtropical and tropical locations. The objectives of this study were to develop optimal allometric relationships and site-specific models to predict AGB, biomass C stock of napiergrass, energycane, and sugarcane under cultivation practices for renewable energy and validate these site-specific models against independent data sets generated from sites with widely different environments.
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- Replacing fossil fuels with biofuels can help combat climate change, but only if they reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.
- The study examined the environmental impact of two tropical perennial grasses, conventional sugarcane and ratoon-harvested napiergrass, focusing on GHG emissions, crop yield, and soil carbon storage.
- Results showed that effective water and fertilizer management can mitigate GHG emissions, and napiergrass was more beneficial for carbon accumulation and yield sustainability, despite lower irrigation levels.