BIOL 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 25: Soil Retrogression And Degradation, Energy Density, Photosynthetic Efficiency
24 Nov 2014
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Biol 111 - ecology and the environment -lecture 25: energy. Plantations can be located on land not needed for crops. No net co2 increase if harvested, burned replanted sustainability. Can make use of agricultural, timber and urban waste. Non-renewable and increases co2 emissions if harvested and burned unsustainably. Clear cutting can cause soil erosion, water pollution and loss of wildlife habitat. Often burned in inefficient and polluting open fires and stoves. Liquid diesel engine fuel made from vegetable oil or animal fat. Provides use for wastes like chicken fat. Competes with food for cropland unless waste oils used. Can damage seals in engines not designed for biodiesel. High cost except at concentrated and accessible sites. Wheat, corn, rice > 50% of all food calories. Supports growth of new plants and decomposing of dead plants: increases nutrients in soil, prevents soil erosion. Slowly evolving adaptions: evolve over time promoting resilient ecosystems that are capable of handling changes/disturbances.
