Ag Giants Go Wild Over Next-Generation Ethanol

• Report this Comment On August 27, 2008, at 5:34 PM, geologics wrote:

  Trucking and storage is really the issue on cellulosic ethanol and switchgrass. The energy potential of the right part of the corn kernel provides a decent density of energy per unit volume. Using other parts of the plant such as cob, stalk, or even similarly switchgrass, has less energy yield per overall plant matter volume. Hauling kernels out of the fields already requires giant trucks and then giant stockpiles. Lower energy density stocks require exponentially more trucks and more storage/stockpiles. Further, what is now 'wasted' or 'unused' is the stuff which is controlling erosion over winter and then being turned into the soil in spring providing organic matter. Hauling away more organic material than is done now will necessitate more fertilizer per season. More research may be required on this one...

• Report this Comment On August 27, 2008, at 7:58 PM, loucanoe wrote:

  This is an absolutely terrible idea--at least if we want to continue to produce argicultural products. Leaving the stover or "waste" on the ground is very beneficial in that (1) it helps protect the soil from wind and water eroision, (2) returns nutrients to the ground which, in their absence, would require more fertilizer and other nutrient additions, (3) helps maintain porosity of the soil and thus reduces the need for water since rain is more likely to be absorbed than to run off, and (4) would be detrimental to wildlife by reducing habitat and feed for species such as rabbits, quail, pheasants, prairie chickens, and deer. Going this way might make some extra profits for a farmer for a few years, but he would pay dearly over the long term.

• Report this Comment On August 28, 2008, at 5:26 AM, Biofuelsimon wrote:

  loucanoe does make a good point. But it is worth exploring just how much stover is needed, could taking half of it in a field leave enough cover for ground-living animals and enough organic matter for the soil to retain its structure, fertility and water-retention properties. There could be quite a lot of material that could be converted into fuel. I'm very concerned about these issues in my blog. It's worth exploring the science behind ideas.

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