A reconnaissance-scale GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis to support sustainable biochar use: Poland as a case study

Latawiec, A. E. et al. (2017) A reconnaissance-scale GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis to support sustainable biochar use: Poland as a case study. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, 25(2), pp. 208-222. (doi: 10.3846/16486897.2017.1326924)

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Abstract

Although increasing numbers of research papers regarding biochar are being published worldwide, in some countries growing interest in biochar has only recently been observed; this is true of Poland. We analysed information on biochar research in Poland alongside lessons learned elsewhere in order to identify the significant opportunities and risks associated with biochar use. This data fed into a GIS-based multicriteria analysis to identify areas where biochar application could deliver greatest benefit. We found that 21.8% of agricultural land in Poland has at least moderate indication for biochar use (soil organic matter below 2% and pH below 5.5), while 1.5% was categorized as a priority as it also exhibited contamination. Potential barriers identified included biomass availability and associated risks of indirect land-use change due to possible national and transnational biomass production displacement. Biochar use could have positive global consequences as a climate change mitigation strategy, particularly relevant in a country with limited alternatives. Scaling up a mitigation technology that is viable on account of its co-benefits might be cost-effective, which could, in turn, adjust national perspectives and stronger involvement in developing mitigation policies at the regional level. Biochar has much promise in temperate conditions and further research should therefore be assigned to explore biochar’s environmental and socio-economic impacts.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The establishment of the UK Biochar Research Centre in 2009 was underpinned by a Science and Innovation Award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Re-search Council (EP/F034520/1).
Keywords:Environmental engineering, management, monitoring, policy and law, nature and landscape conservation.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Baxter, Dr Helen
Authors: Latawiec, A. E., Peake, L., Baxter, H., Cornelissen, G., Grotkiewicz, K., Hale, S., Królczyk, J. B., Kubon, M., Łopatka, A., Medynska-Juraszek, A., Reid, B. J., Siebielec, G., Sohi, S. P., Spiak, Z., and Strassburg, B. B.N.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
Journal Name:Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1648-6897
ISSN (Online):1822-4199
Published Online:28 June 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management 25(2): 208-222
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons license

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