Farmers and governments may have to consider the impact of bioenergy crop processing on a region's landscape, as well the emissions produced once refined fuel is burned.
New research by scientists at Arizona State and Stanford universities, in collaboration with the Carnegie Institution for Science, has suggested that using large sections of land for bioenergy crops could impact a region's climate.
Researchers suggest that growing large amounts of these crops can help to reduce surface temperatures in particular areas, averaging about one degree C in the local regions tested.
These findings could have wider implications for the growth, processing and use of bioenergy crops across the agricultural supply chain, if further research supports it.
Commenting on the findings, Arizona State University's Matei Georgescu explained: "More study is needed to understand the long-term implication for regional water balance.
"This study focused on temperature, but the more general point is that simply assessing the impacts on carbon and greenhouse gases overlooks important features that we cannot ignore if we want a bioenergy path that is sustainable."
Last week, biofuel farmers were warned against over fertilising crops, as this could reduce, rather than boost harvest yields.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the biofuel industry includes; Conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors
