Pecologix Political Ecology Blotter

A new analysis suggests that biofuels grown in the tropics are not a much greener source of energy than drilling for oil–at least in the short term. The research paints an even gloomier picture of biofuels than previous studies, which have begun to cast doubts on the greenhouse gas benefits that these alternatives to petroleum [...]

So what is the carbon impact of biofuels? The answer depends upon a slew of unknowns. Will technological advances reduce the production cost of more environmentally friendly biofuels to the point of commercial competitiveness? Can these fuels be grown benignly if market forces offer higher profits when environmental constraints are ignored? Will improvements in yields, [...]

ScienceDaily (May 12, 2008) — When it comes to using distiller’s grains in finishing rations of High Plains cattle, a Texas AgriLife Research scientist says the type of grain used makes all the difference. Dr. Jim MacDonald, AgriLife Research beef nutritionist at Amarillo, said there’s been some skepticism about using distiller’s grains in this region. [...]