AI Insight
This study analyzed crop straw resources in Anhui Province, China for 2023, finding a total theoretical resource of 52.13 million tons, with wheat, rice, and corn straw comprising nearly 90% of the total. Using life cycle assessment, researchers calculated that full utilization of straw through five different methods (fertilization, animal feed, energy generation, substrate application, and raw material processing) could reduce carbon emissions by approximately 5.9 million tons of CO₂, with fertilization providing the largest reduction at 4 million tons. The study also mapped spatial distribution patterns across prefecture-level cities to optimize resource allocation.
Why it matters
These findings provide a quantitative framework for regional agricultural waste management and carbon emission reduction strategies that can help China achieve its "dual carbon" goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. The methodology and data can serve as a reference model for other provinces and regions seeking to maximize carbon reduction through agricultural residue utilization.
by Zhou Ye, Xiaohang Yu, Ruoyun Yao, Youzhi Yao
Taking various prefecture-level cities in Anhui Province as the subject of this study, this research draws on data from the ‘Anhui Statistical Yearbook’ to analyze crop straw resources’ potential full utilization, and spatial distribution characteristics, in Anhui Province for the year 2023. The carbon neutralizing effect of straw full utilization was also evaluated using life cycle assessment. Results indicate that the total theoretical straw resources from major crops in Anhui Province in 2023 amounted to 5.213 × 107 tons (t), dominated by wheat, rice, and corn straw; which collectively accounted for 89.72% of the total. The carbon emission reductions from straw utilization through fertilization, animal feed, energy generation, substrate application, and raw material processing were approximately 4 × 106, 1.07 × 106, 5.8 × 105, 9.8 × 104, and 1.67 × 105 t of CO₂, respectively. Clarifying the total amount, types, potential utilization, and spatial distribution of straw resources at the city level is essential for promoting rational resource allocation and facilitating logicall regional planning for the utilization of those resources. These findings are of paramount importance towards efforts to achieve the goals of “Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” (Dual-carbon) and fostering coordinated economic and social development in China. Under the framework of “dual carbon” national strategy and the overall layout of agricultural carbon emission reduction, the data analysis results of straw resource utilization in Anhui Province can serve as a reference for other regions to carry out relevant work.