Capturing carbon with crops, trees and bioenergy

Related coverage

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment · Nov 13, 2023 New study indicates C4 crops less sensitive to ozone pollution than C3 crops

  A new study reveals that C4 crops are significantly less sensitive to ozone pollution than C3 crops, with potential implications for improving crop productivity and resilience. The research suggests that C4 bioenergy feedstocks can maintain performance in regions with high ozone levels.

• PNAS Nexus · May 12, 2026 Bioenergy constraints in the tropics

  Climate warming is projected to shift the production of key bioenergy crops to unsuitable locations, potentially leading to deforestation and releasing stored carbon. The study's findings highlight the need for a more nuanced assessment of bioenergy strategies in light of climate change.

• University of Leicester · Sep 13, 2024 Trees in tropical logged forests release carbon at greater rate despite faster growth, study finds

  A new study from the University of Leicester found that trees in logged tropical forests produce more carbon dioxide per unit area than those in unlogged forests. The researchers measured respiration in tree stems and estimated values for all trees in a one-hectare plot, showing higher carbon release levels in logged forests.

• UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology · Sep 9, 2024 Growing key biomethane crop on peat emits 3 times more CO2 than using natural gas

  A recent study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that growing maize to produce biomethane on drained peat emits up to three times more carbon dioxide than using natural gas. The production of crops like maize for bioenergy has rapidly increased, leading to a significant expansion of cultivated areas on drained peatlands.

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment · Sep 4, 2024 CABBI team designs efficient bioenergy crops that need less water to grow

  Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

• Frontiers · Jan 23, 2024 Ants help reveal why sourcing different plants for eco fuels is crucial for biodiversity

  Researchers studied ant communities in different bioenergy cropping systems to understand how they shape biotic communities and their functions. They found that perennial bioenergy cropping systems with more plant diversity gave rise to a different and more diverse ant community than simpler systems.