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Biomass as an energy source for the midwestern U.S.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

D. R. Keeney  and
T. H. DeLuca
D. R. Keeney
Affiliation:
Director, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, 126 Soil Tilth Building, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011.
T. H. DeLuca
Affiliation:
Research Associate, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, 126 Soil Tilth Building, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011.
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Abstract

Recognition of the environmental costs of fossil fuels coupled with concern over their depletion within the next few decades has broadened the search for alternative energy resources, including biomass energy. Ethanol produced from corn (Zea mays L.) grain currently is the primary form of biomass energy produced in the Midwest, but its net energy balance commonly is negative when corn grain is produced under conventional practices. Reducing fossil fuel inputs, particularly for nitrogen fertilizer, will improve the energy balance, but more substantial improvements involve increased efficiency of ethanol production. An alternate source involves fermentation of crops such as sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.]Moench).

Other potential biomass energy resources for the Midwest include oils extracted from seed crops, methane from waste digestion, and combustion, gasification or fermentation of woody and herbaceous crops and crop residues. These resources may serve as an energy supplement or a useful energy source for individual farms, households or rural communities. Biomass energy systems in Midwest agriculture must be evaluated regarding their long term environmental impacts and their sustainability. Externalities that must be considered include surface and ground water pollution, soil erosion, and economic and social benefits to the rural community.

Keywords

biomass energyethanolsweet sorghumoilseedscelluloseanaerobic digestion
Type
Other Feature Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 7 , Issue 3 , September 1992 , pp. 137 - 144
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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