Suitability of Biodiesel from Winter Safflower on the Southern High Plains

Abstract

Winter safflower is considered a potential feedstock for biodiesel production that can be grown on the Texas High Plains. It requires fewer inputs than current irrigated crops, and could be grown on semi-arid or marginal land. The potential of winter safflower for biofuel production is analyzed using a life-cycle assessment of the energy inputs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts during the seed and biodiesel production processes. In addition, this study identifies the factors that have the greatest impact on GHG emissions and the likelihood that winter safflower would be adopted by farmers on the High Plains. Finally, a safflower production model that includes GHG emissions was developed, and this model was used to determine how potential GHG emissions policies might change resource use by farmers. It was found that expected carbon prices are not likely to affect demand for irrigation by safflower farmers.