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Old 11-08-2007, 05:33 AM  
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So basically, besides higher yield, it can grown on land that regular food crops or staple crops can't use? If so, it poses a better solution than corn or cane. However, another feasibility issue to look at is how much INPUTS does switch grass need (ie., fertilizer, labor, etc)?

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Originally Posted by sltr View Post
switchgrass produces 1000 gallons of ethanol per acre, compared to 665 gallons for sugarcane and 400 gallons for corn

it also grows year round in harsh conditions.

HOWEVER, there is concern about the efficiency of converting (or whatever the term is) it to ethanol. but it's a matter of time until some very new efficient methods of changing plant cellulose to fuel are out.

i happen to believe the solution going forward will include a variety of vehicles that run on all different fuels. high-efficiency battery technology is way behind other technologies, for instance
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