Learn which biofuels require less inputs and strategies to reduce pollution.
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| Nitrates are most frequently detected in groundwater where nitrogen fertilizer is most heavily used; but exceptions to this pattern occur. USGS image. |
Biofuel crops can help improve water quality because some need less fertilizer, are perennials, and have a more closed canopy. In order for production of agricultural energy crops to be considered sustainable, practices must be in …
Learn about sustainability indicators used to gauge and evaluate a farm’s progress toward energy sustainability.
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Solar installation at Harlow Farm, Westminster, VT. Photo: Susan Harlow |
Sustainability indicators are measurable or observable features that can be used to test principles and criteria of sustainability. Sustainability indicators could include quantifiable measures of resource use efficiency, energy, food security, land use impacts…
Learn approaches to help promote biodiversity on the farm while growing biofuel feedstocks.
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Corn and soy fields in Minnesota. Photo: US EPA and National Archive and Record Administration; Wikimedia Commons. |
Biodiversity is the variation of life at all levels, from genes to organisms to populations. Healthy ecosystems tend to have greater biodiversity.
Most biofuel feedstocks come from agricultural crops grown in highly disturbed ecosystems with relatively …
How can biofuel be certified sustainable? Examine guidelines, criteria, and measurable indicators.
How can biofuel be certified sustainable? Examine guidelines, criteria, and measurable indicators.
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| Windmills on a farm. Photo: Farm Energy Community of Practice. |
