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Your search keyword '"ENERGY conversion"' showing total 6 results
6 results on '"ENERGY conversion"'

1. Conversion of grazed pastures to energy cane as a biofuel feedstock alters the emission of GHGs from soils in Southeastern United States.

Author

Gomez-Casanovas, Nuria, DeLucia, Nicholas J., Hudiburg, Tara W., Bernacchi, Carl J., and DeLucia, Evan H.

Subjects
*HISTOSOLS, *PASTURES, *SOIL respiration, *BIOMASS energy, *GREENHOUSE gases, *SOIL pollution monitoring, *ENERGY conversion, *AGRICULTURE
Abstract

The cultivation of energy cane throughout the Southeastern United States may displace grazed pastures on organic soil (Histosols) to meet growing demands for biofuels. We combined results from a field experiment with a biogeochemical model to improve our understanding of how the conversion of pasture to energy cane during early crop establishment affected soil GHG (CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O) exchange with the atmosphere. GHG fluxes were measured under both land uses during wet, hot and cool, dry times of year, and following a fertilization event. We also simulated the impact of changes in precipitation on GHG exchange. Higher fertilization of cane contributed to greater emission of N 2 O than pasture during warmer and wetter times of the year. The model predicted that energy cane emitted more nitrogen than pasture during simulated wetter than drier years. The modeled emission factor for N 2 O was 20 to 30-fold higher than the default value from IPCC (1%), suggesting that the default IPCC value could dramatically underestimate the consequences of this land conversion on the climate system. Predicted soil CH 4 and CO 2 fluxes were higher in pasture than energy cane, and this difference was not affected by increasing precipitation. Model simulations predicted that soils under first year cane emit more GHGs than pasture, particularly during wet years, but this difference disappeared two years after energy cane establishment. Our results suggest that management practices may be important in determining soil GHG emissions from energy cane on organic soils particularly during the first year of cane establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2018
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2. Energy Production with Biomass: What Are the Prospects?

Author

Gallagher, Paul W.

Subjects
*BIOMASS energy industries, *BIOMASS energy, *RAINFALL, *ENERGY conversion, *AGRICULTURE, *POWER resources, *FERMENTATION
Abstract

Focuses on the primary factors that limit the potential size of a biomass-energy industry in the U.S. Effect of inadequate rainfall on biomass yield; Major crop-based processes for producing bioenergy products; Reasons behind the non-adoption of crop fermentation as a process for producing ethanol.

Published
2006

3. Taking Measure of Biofuel Limits.

Author

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
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4. U.S. FARMS READY FOR MAJOR ROLE IN ENERGY PRODUCTION.

Author

Mazza, Patrick

Subjects
*AGRICULTURE, *RURAL development, *BIOMASS energy, *ENERGY conversion, *POWER resources
Abstract

The article reflects on the 6th Annual Harvesting Clean Energy Conference in Spokane, Washington. It states that biofuels and other forms of agriculturally-generated have reached the point that sets them on a path to become 21st century energy sources. Tom Dorr, USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development declares that the energy economy is going to shift its way to offer extraordinary opportunity for rural America. It tells that rural economic opportunities in providing energy will regulate the need for new energy resources to cater the increasing oil problem.

Published
2006

5. Oils' Well?

Author

Fried, Rona

Subjects
*BIOMASS energy, *RENEWABLE energy sources, *POWER resources, *ENERGY conversion, *FUEL, *RENEWABLE natural resources, *AGRICULTURE, *SUSTAINABLE development
Abstract

The article discusses key issues concerning the prospects for the use of biofuels as alternative energy sources in the U.S. in 2007. Farmers, conglomerate agricultural companies and capitalists have all made serious commitments to biofuels. Biofuels have emerged as a viable alternative energy source due to instability in the Middle East and skyrocketing gas prices. Even though biofuels are not a simple substitute for fossil energy because there is not enough farm land to satisfy biofuel requirements, it can still be combined with other alternative fuels to diversify energy portfolios.

Published
2007

6. ALTERNATIVE Heating Oil Arrives.

Author

Audin, Lindsay

Subjects
*BIOMASS energy, *AGRICULTURE, *POWER resources, *ENERGY conversion, *ENERGY consumption
Abstract

The article focuses on the availability of biofuels that reduce the dependence of the U.S. on foreign oil. Biofuels are blends of fossil fuels and agriculturally derived oils. In a move parallel to buying green power, some large facilities are using biofuels to demonstrate their firm's commitments to a healthier and safer future.

Published
2006

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