Short answer: Don't.

Bot

http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/0704767105v1

Abstract
Perennial herbaceous plants such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) are being evaluated as cellulosic bioenergy crops. Two major concerns have been the net energy efficiency and economic feasibility of switchgrass and similar crops. All previous energy analyses have been based on data from research plots (<5m2) and estimated inputs. We managed switchgrass as a biomass energy crop in field trials of 3–9 ha (1 ha10,000m2) on marginal cropland on 10 farms across a wide precipitation and temperature gradient in the midcontinental U.S. to determine net energy and economic costs based on known farm inputs and harvested yields. In this report, we summarize the agricultural energy input costs, biomass yield, estimated ethanol output, greenhouse gas emissions, and net energy results. Annual biomass yields of established fields averaged 5.2 -11.1 Mgha1 with a resulting average estimated net energy yield (NEY) of 60 GJha1y1. Switchgrass produced 540% more renewable than nonrenewable energy consumed. Switchgrass monocultures managed for high yield produced 93% more biomass yield and an equivalent estimated NEY than previous estimates from human-made prairies that received low agricultural inputs. Estimated average greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cellulosic ethanol derived from switchgrass were 94% lower than estimated GHG from gasoline. This is a baseline study that represents the genetic material and agronomic technology available for switchgrass production in 2000 and 2001, when the fields were planted. Improved genetics and agronomics may further enhance energy sustainability and biofuel yield of switchgrass

I'd never consider doing such a thing...

__________________
"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

OTOH, better Switch than fight.

I heard on NPR that some research is being done with termite enzymes in hopes of coming up with more efficient processees in making cellulosic ethanol. If we could get off of the corn based model, seems like it would be real progress.

Lots of agricultural straw to be had, I think, that is. Straw bale houses aren't that big of an item yet.

__________________
1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Termiculture would be a cool field to be in. I hate the little buggers, and they should give something back.

How many termites does it take to get a gallon of diesel fuel?

I have no idea what the hell you're talking about, Bot. I liked your short answer better.

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Oh that's easy. 2,173 termites are needed per gallon of ethanol.

No wait, you said diesel.

Never mind.

__________________
1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Hey, a new industry for New Orleans to help rebuild the city. Don't you guys have some kind of really voracious termites down there? Maybe you could harness those for energy.

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Taiwan termite, or something like that. It's spreading slowly and consuming everything in it's path, like athlete's foot.

Want some katrina mulch?

I've heard algae is high on the research list to provide a source of biofuels. They are suppose to yield more oil than land based plants. Lots of interesting research going on these days.

Chuck

Article in todays Chicago Trib about a local Il company working on cellusous ethanol, actually they are using garbage as one of the major inputs.

GM a big investor. planning reasonable production level next year, possible major production in 2012 if everything goes ok.

Claim to produce at less than 1/2 the cost of corn based.
Interestingly pollution rate also drops significantly.

I'll look later and see if I saved it and get more details.

__________________
KLK, MCSE

1990 500SL

I was always taught to respect my elders.
I don't have to respect too many people anymore.

I'm a little surprised that the High Times crowd hasn't come forth and advocated the use of hemp for cellulosic bioenergy usage.

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

Here's a link to the article,

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-autoshow-gm-ethan,0,7343686.story

Interesting, although GMs interest is somewhat self serving.

__________________
KLK, MCSE

1990 500SL

I was always taught to respect my elders.
I don't have to respect too many people anymore.

A company's interest should be self-serving. Investors prefer it that way.

This was on Modern Marvels last night. very interesting.

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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