Transport biofuel yields from food and lignocellulosic C-4 crops

In the near future, the lignocellulosic C-4 crops Miscanthus and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) are unlikely to outcompete sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) in net energetic yearly yield of transport biofuel ha(-1). This holds both for the thermochemical conversion into liquid hydrocarbons and the enzymatic conversion into ethanol. Currently, Miscanthus and switchgrass would also not seem able to outcompete corn (Zea mays) in net energetic yearly yield of liquid transport biofuel ha(-1), but further development of these lignocellulosic crops may gradually lead to a different outcome. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.