David Reid wrote:
" That figures is basically true although yield obviously depends on a a number of factors such as quality of land, fertilizer, weed infestation, rain, insects, etc. That is probably about average for good land. Somewhere I have all the information here and I believe it mentions a top figure of 40 ton." Amazing. Shows you how much I know about agriculture! "Potatoes and one or two crops like Jerusalem artichokes certainly produce the most starch per acre and when this is converted to ethanol they are extremely efficient per acre of land. The drawback here is the reasonably large human input compared to western style farming where large capital investment in terms of equipment is required. You also need a jet cooker which precooks the starch, and the use of enzymes to maximise yields. If you had the use of Jeruaslem artichokes in mind in the Phillipines they would work very well I believe." That is becoming my view as well. " If you need more information I could probably dig it out for you and would be pleased to help." Anything you can dig up would be welcome. Helianthus tuberosus is mentioned in Purseglove's Tropical Crops, but only in connection with sunflowers whose close relatives they are. No details of culture or propagation. Topinambours, as they are called in France, are mentioned in Boullanger's treatise on distillery operations, but again in connection with processing, not culture. Seems to me this crop fits in with somebody's suggestion of a mobile biodiesel plant picking up feedstock on its rounds. I see a 3-truck convoy: biodiesel processing, ethanol processing, tanker. The big logistical problem here in the Philippines is that land holdings are fragmented and crops very diverse, so it's hard to find a plant site that ensures good supply of feedstock year 'round. Makes sense to take the plant to the source, now that the roads are being improved. A barge/ferry arrangement would complete the picture by allowing island-hopping. Best, Marc B.r., David Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
