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Research ArticleResearch Section

Estimating biofuel feedstock water footprints using system dynamics

D. Inman, E. Warner, D. Stright, J. Macknick and C. Peck
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation July 2016, 71 (4) 343-355; DOI: https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.71.4.343
D. Inman
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E. Warner
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D. Stright
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J. Macknick
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C. Peck
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Abstract

Increased biofuel production has prompted concerns about the environmental tradeoffs of biofuels compared to petroleum-based fuels. Biofuel production in general, and feedstock production in particular, is under increased scrutiny. Water footprinting (measuring direct and indirect water use) has been proposed as one measure to evaluate water use in the context of concerns about depleting rural water supplies through activities such as irrigation for large-scale agriculture. Water footprinting literature has often been limited in one or more key aspects: complete assessment across multiple water stocks (e.g., vadose zone, surface, and ground water stocks), geographical resolution of data, consistent representation of many feedstocks, and flexibility to perform scenario analysis. We developed a model called BioSpatial H2O using a system dynamics modeling and database framework. BioSpatial H2O could be used to consistently evaluate the complete water footprints of multiple biomass feedstocks at high geospatial resolutions. BioSpatial H2O has the flexibility to perform simultaneous scenario analysis of current and potential future crops under alternative yield and climate conditions. In this proof-of-concept paper, we modeled corn grain (Zea mays L.) and soybeans (Glycine max) under current conditions as illustrative results. BioSpatial H2O links to a unique database that houses annual spatially explicit climate, soil, and plant physiological data. Parameters from the database are used as inputs to our system dynamics model for estimating annual crop water requirements using daily time steps. Based on our review of the literature, estimated green water footprints are comparable to other modeled results, suggesting that BioSpatial H2O is computationally sound for future scenario analysis. Our modeling framework builds on previous water use analyses to provide a platform for scenario-based assessment. BioSpatial H2O's system dynamics is a flexible and user-friendly interface for on-demand, spatially explicit, water use scenario analysis for many US agricultural crops. Built-in controls permit users to quickly make modifications to the model assumptions, such as those affecting yield, and to see the implications of those results in real time. BioSpatial H2O's dynamic capabilities and adjustable climate data allow for analyses of water use and management scenarios to inform current and potential future bioenergy policies. The model could also be adapted for scenario analysis of alternative climatic conditions and comparison of multiple crops. The results of such an analysis would help identify risks associated with water use competition among feedstocks in certain regions. Results could also inform research and development efforts that seek to reduce water-related risks of biofuel pathways.

  • © 2016 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society

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Journal of Soil and Water Conservation: 71 (4)
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
Vol. 71, Issue 4
July/August 2016
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Estimating biofuel feedstock water footprints using system dynamics
D. Inman, E. Warner, D. Stright, J. Macknick, C. Peck
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation Jul 2016, 71 (4) 343-355; DOI: 10.2489/jswc.71.4.343

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Estimating biofuel feedstock water footprints using system dynamics
D. Inman, E. Warner, D. Stright, J. Macknick, C. Peck
Journal of Soil and Water Conservation Jul 2016, 71 (4) 343-355; DOI: 10.2489/jswc.71.4.343
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