As compared to other crops, cornproduction has higher nitrogen fertilization rate and greaternitrogen runoff, which would further compound existing waterrelatedproblems such as the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. How policy isformulated will have significant impact on how biofuel productiondevelops. It is notclear, however, how production decisions and policy developmentssurrounding the expansion of the ethanol industry will affect theenvironment, especially water quality and climate change. By examiningthe environmental costs and benefits of biofuel technologies we willbe better able to understand the impact that renewable bioenergytechnology and policy will have on the health of our nations waterquality and atmosphere.
The link between agriculture andenergy production has made the agricultural industry major player inthe adoption and expansion of renewable energy technologies. For example, policy that favors increased production ofstarch based ethanol from sources such as corn could potentially have anegative impact on water quality. As compared to other crops, cornproduction has higher nitrogen fertilization rate and greaternitrogen runoff, which would further compound existing waterrelatedproblems such as the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico.
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on biofuel
- White Paper on Internationally Compatible Biofuel Standards
- Sustainable biofuel
- Related Blogs on ethanol
