So, What's so great about
Soybean Biodiesel?
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Well, something's got to be great about soybean biodiesel, because 59% of biodiesel is produced from soybean oil! Here are the benefits and disadvantages I found...
Benefits and Facts of Soybean Based Biodiesel:
• The biodiesel
tax incentive
has been extended through 2011
• The National Biodiesel Board granted the Danforth Center $1.2 million to fund three years of research to increase the oil content in the seeds.
• In the year 2000, soybeans and corn were the largest U.S. crops.
• The soy meal produced from crushing is used for food. In fact, soybean crush is currently driven by demand for the meal, NOT the oil.
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a report that says soybean biodiesel produces 93% more energy than is used to produce it.
• It deceases greenhouse gas emissions by 41%
• It produces an average of 48 gallons per acre.
• The soybeans have 20% oil content.
And Some Disadvantages:
• In 2005 a bushel of soybeans was under $5, and now in 2011 it is nearing $16.
• Producing biodiesel from soybean oil has a net energy loss of 32% according to a study done by Berkley.edu.
• It deceases greenhouse gas emissions by 41%
• It produces an average of 48 gallons per acre.
• The soybeans have 20% oil content.
Growing Conditions:
• Ideal growing temperatures have a mean of 68-86 degrees F, (20-30 C).
• Growth is significantly stunted when temperatures are lower than 68F (20C) or higher than 104F (40C).
• It takes 80-120 days from the time the seeds are sewed till harvest time
For additional information check out these great soybean graphs and statistics!
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