Spatial cost analysis for switchgrass cultivation: Case of Eskisehir

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a highly drought-resistant and cold-tolerant perennial energy crop, prom-ising a favourable biomass energy source lately. For cost-effective switchgrass cultivation, physical character-istics and cost factors are critical in encouraging decision-makers to invest in this field. This study aims to develop a methodology to place cost analyses on a spatial basis and relate them with the environmental factors in the Eskisehir province, Turkiye. The results of a former study presenting the suitable lands for switchgrass cultivation in the region, in terms of physical parameters, were used to perform the spatial cost analysis based on the so-called indirect factors, fuel consumption, and crop yield. Regarding the assumed yield amounts and fuel consumption, the findings revealed that switchgrass agriculture on suitable lands would not promise a fixed profitability rate or fixed dry product sales price. Hence, different dry product sales prices were spatially determined and mapped according to five profitability ratios. The sales prices of the dry crop produced from high-suitable agricultural lands were found to be competitive (26.24 USD, 26.28 USD, and 26.31 USD) under free market conditions. Profitability rates varied between 22.79% and 22.66% with an optimistic scenario. It is predicted that 124,680 tons of bioethanol can be obtained with switchgrass production on lands where maximum benefit is provided. The method presented in this study demonstrates that a suitable site selection process can be conducted more holistically when cost-affecting parameters are integrated into spatial analyses and layering processes.

Automated summary

This study utilizes a methodology to conduct cost analyses on a spatial basis and relates them with environmental factors in Eskisehir province, Turkiye in order to encourage cost-effective switchgrass cultivation. The findings show that switchgrass agriculture on suitable lands does not guarantee a fixed profitability rate or dry product sales price, leading to the determination of different sales prices based on profitability ratios. The method highlights the importance of integrating cost-affecting parameters into spatial analysis for site selection.