Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Required Additional Files
fillable ETD committee signature form.pdf (249 kB)

Degree Type

MS

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Agricultural and Resource Economics

Committee Chair

Michael Strager

Committee Co-Chair

Rachel Spirnak

Committee Member

Paul Kinder

Committee Member

Samuel Taylor

Abstract

This study evaluates the carbon sequestration potential of C₄ grasses, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), on mine-impacted lands in West Virginia. This work addresses the urgent need for scalable, nature-based solutions to reclaim degraded lands and meet global climate mitigation targets. Conducted on a 160-hectare (ha) reclaimed mine land (RML) near Alton, the research assessed soil organic carbon (SOC) and root zone biomass organic carbon (BOC) accumulation over a single growing season. By integrating study site field sampling data, laboratory analysis, and statewide and regional geospatial modeling, the study aimed to determine the feasibility of repurposing mine lands for climate mitigation and sustainable biofuel production. The results reveal distinct carbon sequestration dynamics between switchgrass and miscanthus. BOC, primarily stored in root-zone biomass, dominated the sequestration profile. Switchgrass demonstrated a more rapid SOC accumulation rate, achieving a 20.41% increase over the growing season compared to miscanthus's 8.48%. Additionally, miscanthus exhibited higher total organic carbon (TOC) yields, estimated at 339,792 metric tons (Mg) of carbon statewide, equivalent to 1,246,805 Mg CO₂e, substantially outperforming switchgrass's 108,424 Mg carbon (397,916 Mg CO₂e). The Landscape Suitability Analysis model identified Rank 3 and Rank 4 out of a 0-5 suitability classification for former mine lands (FML) as optimal for carbon sequestration, attributed to their larger land areas and better soil conditions. These high-suitability sites were responsible for the majority of TOC yields. On Rank 3 FML sites alone, switchgrass contributed 93,273 Mg of TOC, while miscanthus yielded 292,172 Mg, highlighting the performance of miscanthus under favorable conditions. Spatial analysis revealed carbon dynamics, with miscanthus creating distinct SOC "hotspots" characterized by post-season stabilization and moderate carbon gains, particularly in miscanthus dominated plots. The combined TOC yield of 448,153 Mg (1,644,721 Mg CO₂e) across suitable sites demonstrates the transformative potential of mine lands in West Virginia as carbon sinks and biofuel production zones. The study highlights the feasibility of repurposing marginalized lands for environmental restoration and economic revitalization. By leveraging the strengths of switchgrass and miscanthus, mine lands can contribute significantly to state and national climate mitigation ii strategies. Future research should focus on integrating targeted land management practices, such as soil amendments and further site-specific analysis, to further enhance SOC accumulation and biomass yields.

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