ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basis for ongoing work in global-scale pastureland yield gap and energy crop analyses, paired with landscape-scale process-based modeling and remote sensing analyses that use Brazil as a case study. It introduces the potential role of pasture intensification in sustainably meeting rising demands for food and bioenergy feedstock. Combining pastureland intensification with increased bioenergy production requires land use change as well as changes in agricultural management practices. This raises the possibility of negative impacts on soil carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, important metrics for agroecosystem sustainability. These concerns are highly relevant in Brazil, which is undergoing pastureland intensification alongside the expansion of sugarcane production to meet growing global demands for sugar and biofuels. The chapter also presents the basis for the research approach of the GSB Geospatial project, and a review of pathways to address key uncertainties.
