December 11th, 2006
They used to be called just weeds but wild flowers growing in un-fertile soils all around the world may just provide huge amounts of biofuel potential according to US scientists. This article from the NewsScotsman.Com says that perennial grasses and flowering plants could provide a better source of energy as compared to both corn and soybean crops.
According to the scientists who have studied the behavior and potential of these plants, converting these grasses and weeds into biofuel reduces the amount of carbon in the atmosphere because they can survive in non-fertile areas thus reducing inputs that themselves contribute to global warming.
We hope the newfound purpose of weeds could elevate them to a place of importance and sustained appreciation soon.
January 4th, 2007 at 2:14 am
Read the excellent series on Biofuels at Grist: http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2006/12/04/biofuels/index.html