Potential bioenergy forage crops for degraded lands

Abstract

Degraded and unproductive soils offer an unexplored source for imparting sustainability to modern agricultural systems and environmental health globally. Bioenergy forage crops, particularly suited for biomass production, have the capacity to restore and convert degraded land into productive sources of renewable energy. Additionally, specific bioenergy forage crops such as Miscanthus, Willow, Sorghum, Reed canary grass, etc. hold bright perspectives owing to their unprecedented adaptability and potential to thrive well on degraded soils. This chapter explores the potential of bioenergy forage crops as a sustainable solution for reviving underutilized landscapes. The chapter delves into defining the pronounced characteristics of bioenergy forage crops, their adaptability to adverse conditions, and their role in improving degraded lands while contributing to biomass-based energy production. Moreover, challenges and considerations in adopting bioenergy forage crops have been thoroughly discussed, offering a comprehensive perspective on their potential cultivation on marginal lands. In conclusion, this literature synthesis emphasizes the promising future of bioenergy forage crops as a sustainable remedy for land degradation, offering insights into their significance for agricultural sustainability and renewable energy generation in a changing world with limited resources and climate upheavals. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.