Biomass energy from crop and forest residues

Residues remaining after the harvest of crop and forestry products are being proposed as a substantial energy source for the nation. An estimated 22 percent of the residues might be utilized, providing a renewable source of high-grade energy with the potential of supplying 1 percent of the current U...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1981-06, Vol.212 (4499), p.1110-1115
Main Authors: Pimentel, David, Moran, Mary Ann, Fast, Sarah, Weber, Georg, Bukantis, Robert, Balliett, Lisa, Boveng, Peter, Cleveland, Cutler, Hindman, Sally, Young, Martin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural land
Corn
Crop harvesting
Crop management
Energy
Energy crops
Forest soils
Soil erosion
Soil water
Tillage
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Summary:Residues remaining after the harvest of crop and forestry products are being proposed as a substantial energy source for the nation. An estimated 22 percent of the residues might be utilized, providing a renewable source of high-grade energy with the potential of supplying 1 percent of the current U.S. gasoline consumption as ethanol or 4 percent of the total electrical energy used. These net energy benefits are limited by high energy costs to collect, transport, and process the residues. Environmental threats include soil erosion, water runoff, and nutrient loss.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.212.4499.1110