Macomb, IL – A soil scientist is questioning the wisdom of growing biomass to help solve the nation's fuel shortage.
Joel Gruver says studies show that up to one-third of the nation's fuel for transportation could be replaced by growing biomass for conversion to cellulosic ethanol.
However, he says the move could keep the soil from being rebuilt.
He says normal cropping restores residue to the soil which becomes part of the organic matter. However ... when the biomass, such as tree waste or grass, is harvested and converted to ethanol, it doesn't help the soil.
He says the organic matter is crucial because soil nutrients adhere to it, or are a part of it.
In addition, the organic matter feeds biological organisms such as nematodes, bacteria and earthworms, which feed plants and help keep the soil porous.
That porosity is needed to allow rainfall to be absorbed. In addition, he says the organic matter helps reduce erosion.