1. Taking Measure of Biofuel Limits.
- Author
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Sinclair, Thomas R.
- Subjects
- *
BIOMASS energy , *RENEWABLE energy source laws , *ENERGY conversion , *AGRICULTURE , *POWER resources , *NATURAL resources management , *ENERGY crops , *ETHANOL as fuel , *ENVIRONMENTAL law , *AGRICULTURE & the environment - Abstract
The article discusses plant-production capacities and resource limits associated with production and use of biofuels. It notes ethanol use requirements of the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act and limits that the law places on use of maize in meeting those requirements. It explains that creation of ethanol from plants is a conversion of solar energy absorbed by plants. It explains the chemistry of photosynthesis and the production of organic compounds. It also notes the natural resources required for plant growth including light, water, and nitrogen.
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
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