As humans, we use fossil fuels often in our everyday lives. This would help Canada be more of a world leader as Canada would be more active in maintaining green energy. List of Pros of Biofuels. Tree plantations reduce biodiversity. In the creation of ethanol with the use of corn, they only part manufacturers use is the edible part. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, it may be able to yield 100 times more oil per acre than soybeans or other terrestrial oil-producing crops. The world around us is powered by fossil fuels. That would be a factor of price hikes in the food sector. Examples include algae, corn stover, switchgrass or methane emitted from microbial activity in landfills. Scientists have proven that the use of ethanol fuel in cars leads to Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde escaping and polluting our air. “The research suggests that growing switchgrass for ethanol can be a highly sustainable system,” says Marty Schmer, agronomist, Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Mandan, North Dakota. In addition, various species live with switchgrass such as fungal endophyte, therefore the grass promotes biodiversity and an excellent wildlife habitat as more species will be able to have a habitat. The economic and environmental benefits of crops are often region-specific as well. The reason switchgrass is more productive after it is established is simple. An annual cutting in fall or winter suffices for biomass production since its value is based on total tonnage, not nutritional quality. 1. It grows extremely quickly, sometimes up to 2.2 metres tall. This would help the government and citizens of Canada. To this date, one of the best sources of environmentally friendly energy are biofuels. Energy crops – switchgrass, Miscanthus, willow, algae, etc. As you can see, there are many potential benefits from using switchgrass as a source for biofuels. I mean, clearly we have a problem but why just reiterate something we are already aware of. It has been said by many people that the change needs to begin with us. Web. Nothing would go to waste when refining the blades into ethanol. I have a group of various people with me today who will be sharing their various perspectives with using switchgrass as a biofuel. Vanveen, Yolanda. I’m Linda Marcus and I will be talking to you about advantages and disadvantages of using switchgrass as a biofuel. Eucalyptus trees and tropical … We use fossil fuels when we drive our cars. Due to switchgrass’ profound roots, this is approximately 6-10 feet! Of all possible sources for biofuels, I personally think that switchgrass is indeed the best of the best. The would also be economic benefits that could generate money in Canada and increase our labour force. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 13 Dec. 2012. They have the ability to retain nutrients in the soil and remain prosperous for many years to come. Biofuels are a renewable form of fuel. UK Government, n.d. Web. We have slowly been realizing the detriments of using fossil fuels in our environment. The answer is biofuels. Switchgrass is an exceptional candidate for biofuel creation; it is a flexible plant that can grow on millions of acres in United States lands that cannot support crop or food making. In my opinion, I believe that there are many advantages in using switchgrass as a biofuel versus other choices which may take away from food production. Hello everyone. Hey! Word Book, n.d. The reason switchgrass should be considered as a biofuel in Canada is due to its geographic situation. Unlike the benefits, there are only two major disadvantages of using switchgrass as a source for biofuels. This is our future. This would be a new type of technology therefore the workers would need to have a certain degree of advancement. To combat all these issues, scientists have long been looking into alternative energy sources, especially ones that are environmentally friendly. 10.Jatropha Seeds. There is lots of runoff over the stocking of various nutrients in the waters. We are constantly reminded of various predicaments in the world caused by humans. Thus, fossil fuels are being used excessively. Switchgrass itself is a lot more productive if a large quantity of it is yielded. Web. … “Fill ‘er up with Switchgrass.” David Suzuki Foundation. Web. The DISADVANTAGES of Using Switchgrass⦠Unlike the benefits, there are only two major disadvantages of using switchgrass as a source for biofuels. Due to industrialization and human development, there is a dangerous increase in pollutants in the atmosphere. Web. Don’t worry, I’m just kidding. It is not an expensive piece of machinery. In my opinion, if Canada needed to rely on a biofuel for energy, switchgrass would be the most promising option. This would most likely gain lots of support from the eighty-three signatories of the Kyoto Protocol looking to put a stop to the rise of greenhouse gases in the environment. Switchgrass is one of the perennial grasses with scientific name Panicum virgatum. 3.6. As the seasons become colder, switchgrass rests dormant and it will not grow. Consumers need to weigh the pros and cons of biofuels to determine whether they feel comfortable with this resource as an alternative to traditional fuels. ... Grasses like switchgrass, Indian grass, and myscanthus; ... D. Disadvantages: The algae require a large amount of water, nitrogen and phosphorous for growth. However, we have failed to do so. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial grass that grows natively in Canada and the United States.It is one of the dominant species of plant in the American prairie. Overall, switchgrass does not have any major problems in an environmental aspect. It is very durable and sustainable. McIsaac said that Miscanthus's impact on water supply may be small if it is planted on only a few acres in a watershed. We can see that the cost of heating a home is extremely low. Whether it is climate change or the melting of the polar ice caps, the news and media never cease to inform us of the various problems in the world. The answer can be yours for just $29.95! But there is strong evidence that biofuels can be a suitable alternative energy source for widespread consumer use. A total of 150 acres was harvested, from fields ranging in size from 2 to 19 acres. John Davis of Blount County, Tennessee said “There is no way, shape, fashion or form that I could produce any legal crop that could make me that much money” (Taken from Bizjournals) As we can see, switchgrass is an extremely profitable grass to grow as a biofuel in the agriculture and farming sector as it is easy to maintain, and it will not take away from any food production. Suzuki, David. Adewumi, Michael A. The main three sectors that could potentially benefit from the use of switchgrass are as follow: Sector 1, farming, would profit from selling the switchgrass. Here, I will state facts, along with my opinion. As a consumer you also need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using biofuels before determining if you are comfortable with this resource. As the worldwide demand for traditional fuels increases, the supply can dwindle and prices for this commodity can increase significantly. In addition, various studies such as the ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’ have found that switchgrass grown and managed as a biofuel can produce 500 percent more renewable energy than the energy it needs to be grown and processed. I bet the suspense is killing you… What is this magical thing I speak of? This combustion releases various different pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur-dioxide, and a number of other pollutant These pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, climate change, and health, environmental, and economic concerns. Biofuel advocates frequently point out the advantages of these plant- and animal-based fuels. As found by some studies, algae has the capability to produce over 30 times more energy per unit area than other 1st and 2nd generation biofuel crops. Forest residues such as dead trees, branches and tree stumps, yard clippings, wood chips and garbage are often used. For ethanoyl and biodiesel: General advantages: Reduced carbon oxide emissions, potentially renewable, and other indivisual advantages. In addition, switchgrass does not produce any carbon dioxide, but rather takes it in and uses it for itself. With our advancement in technology, we are able to delve deeper into the topic of biofuels.