In short, yes. In cases such as the cultivation of corn for ethanol, concerns of erosion are largely the same as they would be with a crop grown for food - care must be taken, especially on high-silt containing soils and steep sites, to ensure sustainable levels of soil erosion. In cases in which the leftover residues are to be used for biofuel production, erosion is of great concern. The collection of the post-harvest crop residue leaves the soil barren, and measures must be taken to avoid erosion resulting from exposure to wind and rain. Perennial feedstocks grown for biofuel production probably offer the most viable option as far as soil health is concerned, as far more cover remains after harvest to protect against losses. In a no-till management scheme, where crop residues are left standing to shield the soil from wind and rain, to decrease runoff, and to increase soil structure, this can provide for minimal soil erosion.
For more information:
http://cop.extension.org/wiki/Soil_Erosion_in_Sustainable_Energy_Systems
http://cop.extension.org/wiki/Residue_Cover_in_Sustainable_Energy_Systems
Andrew R. Moss, SARE Fellow, University of Maryland
