Corn is the most popular biofuel, however, focusing on just the yield can lead to high costs. In the journal Proceeding for National Academy of Sciences, researchers from Michigan State University (MSU), reported that native perennial grasses score well when you consider the whole picture. Doug Landis is an entomologist. He wrote, “We believe that our findings have significant implications for bioenergy policy and research.” Biomass production is clearly a major goal. However, it seems to be at the cost of other benefits society might desire from rural areas. Landis and his colleagues from Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center looked at switchgrass, corn and mixed native prairie grasses with flowering plants, as possible crops for biofuels. The environment is better served by perennial grasslands than corn. They measured diversity and the number of birds, beneficial and pest insects as well as microbes that consume methane, a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Researchers found that perennial grasslands were more resistant to pests, had greater methane intake, and had greater bird numbers, pollination, and better pest suppression. The location of grasslands was also closely related to their ability to control pests and support greater biodiversity. Perennial grass crops have a superior ability to suppress pests. They are also more likely to be located close other perennial grass habitats. If you take a look at the whole picture, native perennial grasses are more viable options than corn. According to the researchers, in order for pest suppression to be maximized and ecosystem services to remain intact, it is important that land use plans and coordination are well-planned and coordinated. It requires an extensive agricultural policy. Landis stated that agricultural landscapes have multiple benefits. “With supportive policies we see the ability to design agriculture landscapes to maximize multiple advantages.” Farmers are often tempted to plant more land than they need, especially marginal lands with low yields or areas designated for Conservation Reserve Program, wetlands, and grasslands. Landis stated that while corn is attractive for farmers right now, the yields of perennial grass plants were higher than those grown in corn. High commodity prices will continue to encourage conversion of marginal lands into annual crop production. This would reduce our ability to support other crucial services such as pollination and pest suppression.
