Files
Abstract
This research uses two life-cycle emissions models, GREET and IFSM, to establish benchmark values of the carbon intensity (CI) of corn and soybeans currently produced under producer conditions in three Northern Plains sub-regions. The benchmarks range from 0.24 to 0.42 lbs CO2e per lb of grain dry matter. CI benchmarks for rainfed crops are 8-18% higher than those estimated for comparable irrigated crops. The benchmark values are intended to be similar to results that a producer would likely obtain from employing either the GREET or the IFSM model for their own crops, when similarly adjusted to county-level circumstances. Effects of switching from conventional to reduced tillage are not yet well established, but as estimated by the current GREET model would reduce corn CI by as much as 19%, more for soybean CI. Switching from conventional tillage to no-till with a cover crop would reduce corn CI by around 90% for irrigated corn and well over 100% for rainfed corn. Comparable switching for soybeans would result in CI reductions of about 120% under irrigation and 150% for rainfed production.