Sustainability Part 2: Would it use more biofuel to grow crops than crops/food would be produced?

Question

You need the tractor approx 500 horse power, to plow the field to grow the crop. So if you run the tractor on biodeisal to plant biodeisal crops or food then the fuel it takes to produce the crops will be largely used up to run the tractor?

So how much biodiesal crop would be actually left to make into further fuel or food?

What are other solutions?

Answer 1

This is one of the knocks against E85, a corn-derived automotive fuel gaining popularity here in the U.S. It takes almost as much energy to produce a gallon of E85 as you get energy back in the form of synthetic fuel.

Answer 2

There are many many options and resources that we have not begun to explore or tap into. Biodiesel or other biofuels are really just one elementary way to meet our problems. I think what it really takes, more than changing the type of fuels, is reconsidering the system that we're using. Major agriculture corporations use up a huge amount of fuel for production and transportation that isn't necessary if we commit to buying locally grown produce, for at least a portion of our diets. It doesn't take any diesel at all to buy fruit and vegetables from your neighbor or grow them yourself. We don't all have the means or need to grow our own grains individually, but that's what community is for.

Answer 3

Who says the tractor needs to be diesel? what about organic farming, and not using a tractor? Also, poplar has a high oil content and doesnt need to be tended to. their are so many sources of fuel we are not using, or even thinking of using that I refuse to be corraled into thinking biodiesel is the answer.

Answer 4

I really recommend you go find/buy/borrow this month's "National Geographic" magazine - it's all about this topic! Very interesting it is too.

Answer 5

nuclear power.and elimination of warmongers and idiots