Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The vast majority of first generation biofuel feedstock‟s, especially in the case of
bioethanol, constitute comestible materials, which has led to concerns about biomass
previously destined for human consumption being diverted to fuel production. The most
significant concern, however, relates to the inefficiency of first generation biofuels [26, 27].
Large amount of energy is expended on cultivating, harvesting and processing the biomass,
even though only a relatively small proportion is used to derive energy [28, 29]. Some authors
pointed out that usage of first generation biofuels has impact on food prices worldwide [30-
36].
One of the major arguments behind support for biofuel developments worldwide is the
concern about global climate change which is primarily caused by burning fossil fuels and
potential of biofuels to reduce it [37]. Some biofuels can lead to substantial GHGs emission
reductions when compared to fossil fuels [38, 39], particularly with the development of
advanced technologies that rely on agricultural wastes and dedicated cellulosic crops such as
switch grass [40]. But there are also other environmental considerations like acidification,
eutrophication, photo smog, health hazards, ozone depletion, loss of biodiversity and impact
on ground water [19, 36]. These environmental impacts are mainly associated with agriculture
and the production process of feedstock. But also impacts of biomass transport, biofuel
production, distribution, and consumption have to be considered [19, 41]. Finally, biofuels
also consume a significant amount of energy that is derived from fossil fuels. Inputs to
production include tillage, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, operation of machinery for
transport, steam and electricity for processing [42, 43].
Therefore some concerns appeared that expansion of biofuels market will increase
pressure to intensify agriculture and also to expand agriculture into natural habitats [44].
E
NVIRONMENTAL
A
SPECTS OF
B
IOETHANOL
First generation liquid biofuels have multiple impacts on environment, expanding from
agricultural issues related to crop production, followed by biofuel production and
consumption [45].
Environmental Impacts Related to Bioethanol Feedstock Production
The growth of agricultural crops is influenced by multitude factors such as climate, soil
texture, nutrient availability and the occurrence of pests and diseases, and their interactions
[46]. Data about the effect of weather conditions on plant growth can be induced in yield
prediction mode, which have recently gained in importance for examining the impact of
future climate change on crop production [47].
Solar Irradiation
Biofuels are ultimately based on the ability of photosynthetic organisms to use solar
irradiation for the conversion of CO
2
into glucose and subsequently into biomass. In practice
only part of incident solar radiation is captured by plants. And of the solar irradiation captured
by plants approximately 43 - 45% of radiation in the visible part is photo synthetically active
