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Energy-Efficient Use of Fertilizer and Other Nutrients in Agriculture
This equipment is broadcasting fertilizer to build overall soil fertility. Photo: Andy Harper.

Introduction

An important way farmers can conserve energy is making efficient use of fertilizers and other nutrient sources. This article will introduce farmers to the concepts of fertilizer energy and efficient nutrient use. It discusses how to optimize fertilizer use by soil testing, fertilizer placement, and application and by using farm manures and cover crops as part of a soil fertility plan. It includes a discussion on …

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Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) Basics for Biodiesel


Table Of Contents

 

Introduction

If you’re in the biodiesel industry or are considering entering the industry, you may have heard of the Renewable Fuel Standard (also known as RFS2). It is important to understand this federal program since most biodiesel producers are required to participate in it, except for small or new …

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Root Zone Heating Systems for Greenhouses

Root zone heating is an effective option for greenhouses that provides heat directly to the growing media rather than heating the air of the greenhouse. This approach provides a triple benefit for greenhouse growers: faster production, higher quality crops and energy savings. If the root zone temperature is maintained at the optimum, air temperature in the greenhouse can be lowered 5 to 10 degrees F., reducing heat loss to the outside and therefore, reducing energy consumption. This is possible because …

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Agricultural Energy Efficiency Professional Development Webinar Series

These energy efficiency webinars cover six major agricultural enterprises in depth: Livestock and Poultry, Irrigation, Grain Drying, Greenhouses, Field Operations and Dairy Farms.

This professional development series is supported by funding from North Central SARE.    The project is coordinated by Scott Sanford, Sr. Outreach Specialist at University of Wisconsin.   Information is presented by a team of extension specialists in the North Central region.

  Find these webinars and many other Farm Energy media resources at the Farm Energy Media archive…

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Feedstock Yields and Prices for Biodiesel


Table Of Contents

Introduction

When a farmer is considering growing a biodiesel feedstock, it can be helpful to compare data on yield, oil percentage, price, and biodiesel production per acre. Unfortunately, this kind of data can be difficult to find in one place.

We have compiled the following table from a number of different sources, to help with quick …

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What part of the corn plant, stalk or grain, is the most likely to be used for biofuels?

Starch is relatively cheap and easy to convert into ethanol, so parts such as grain that are high in starch are the parts that are currently being used. Parts such as stalks and cobs are low in starch but high in cellulose and hemicellulose. The technology to convert cellulose into ethanol is currently only in the pilot or demonstration stage, and commercial feasibility is still unknown. If the cellulosic conversion technology becomes commercially feasible, future expansion of biofuel production is …

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What is a horizontal air flow (HAF) system in a greenhouse?

The horizontal air flow, or HAF, concept utilizes the principle that air moving in a coherent horizontal pattern in a building, like a greenhouse, needs only enough energy to overcome turbulence and friction loss to keep it moving. In other words, you just have to “kick it along.” Small, 1/10- to 1/15-horsepower circulating fans work well in providing the air movement needed. These are made to move air with little resistance as compared to exhaust fans that have blades designed …

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What is direct land use, or direct land use change?

Direct land use, or direct land use change, refers to land already used for a specific purpose (for example, growing food) and whose future use will achieve the same result. The term “direct land use change” might be used for a situation in which a field was being converted from corn-for-ethanol to switchgrass production, as in both cases the land would ultimately be used to grow crops for biofuel production. “Indirect land use” or “Indirect land use change”, on the …

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What are the pros and cons of using crop residues or wastes for biofuel production?

Corn stover, straw, and other crop residues remaining after harvest can be an excellent source of organic material for biofuel production. They are considered waste products in many agricultural systems, so the additional money and/or energy that can be gained by farmers can provide a considerable boost to the overall farm budget. In addition, the fuels produced from these wastes offer a source of energy that doesn’t compete with food crops for arable land. Concerns have arisen mainly due to …

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What are some of the most common crops used for biofuel production?

While the most common crops used for ethanol throughout the world are certainly corn and sugarcane, there are an increasing number of crops being investigated and used in the industry. Amongst sugar/starch crops, sugarbeet and sweet sorghum have been the focus of much attention; cellulosic crops such as switchgrass, miscanthus, corn stover, poplar, and grass are the subject of increasing interest.
Currently, rapeseed (canola) is the dominant feedstock for biodiesel in Europe, and soybeans are the dominant feedstock for biodiesel …

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