Karl is raising some very good questions here. These issues need to be
credibly addressed if a convincing argument is to be assembled for scaling
up biomass use. Biomass, particularly in the form of decomposing dead plant
matter, plays a critically important role in building and maintaining soil
structure, water-holding capacity, and fertility. Diverting it for energy
capture raises immediate questions about sustainability that should concern
all of us. I am sure biomass can be sustainably harvested, but I am far
from sure that ecosystem impacts from nutrient and carbon removal have
been adequately assessed -- not to mention the huge potential for adverse
impacts on diversity.
Done well, biomass production for energy could contribute to the health of
the ecosystem -- by incorporating biochar, for instance, and reducing the
acreage of Honeysuckle (Lonicera), Autumn Olive (Eleagnus), and buckthorn
(Cretaegus).
Joel
At 03:46 PM 8/5/09 -0400, you wrote:
On Wed, 5 Aug 2009 10:36:42 -0400 Ryan Hottle <[email protected]>
writes:
I am convinced that ...
> biomass pyrolization/gasification, and, in particular areas, wind
> are
> likely to be the best way for Ithaca and surrounding areas to go.
Where has any promoter of biomass pyrolization/gasification tackled the
all-important questions of where all the biomass is to come from, what
will be the life cycle energy costs of the biomass production, and what
alternative uses of the biomass are to be sacrificed?
Karl
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For more information about sustainability in the Tompkins County area, please
visit: http://www.sustainabletompkins.org/
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[email protected]
http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/sustainabletompkins
Questions about the list? ask [email protected]
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