Growing miscanthus could help lock more carbon into the soil, improving yields while helping to tackle climate change, say scientists.
Well-suited to poorer land, miscanthus is typically grown as an energy crop. The woody stems are also used for green manufacturing and chemicals production, as a construction material and for animal bedding in livestock farming.
The crop can also store carbon deep underground, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – boosting soil health while maintaining high yields, say scientists at Aberystwyth University.
Published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science, the findings suggest that the most effective miscanthus varieties for tackling climate change are those with large underground growth and roots with lower lignin levels.
Breakthrough
Researchers examined 11 miscanthus varieties. They found that miscanthus rhizomes move carbon deeper into the soil, where it can remain stable. But roots with lower levels of lignin store more carbon near the soil surface.
“This is an important breakthrough,” said study leader Paul Robson, from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences.
Different miscanthus varieties store carbon differently – and understanding these relationships helps guide breeding strategies that deliver climate and agricultural benefits together, added Dr Robson.
“The UK needs to reduce CO2 emissions in order to mitigate climate change, and we also need to develop our economy to take advantage of green technologies as opposed to relying on fossil fuels. We hope that this research will give even greater impetus to that shift to a greener society.”
Breeding programmes for miscanthus are still at an early stage. But the results provide practical guidance on which traits are most likely to support soil carbon storage, helping ensure that future varieties deliver climate benefits alongside high yields.
Research associate Amanda Holder said: “The study shows that it’s possible to enhance soil carbon storage without compromising productivity, supporting the case for miscanthus as a versatile, low-carbon crop.”