Jed keeps harping on the low (2%?) solar conversion efficiency of growing biomass, I'll put my ~3.5 acres of irrigated farmland into Jatropha Curcas bushes, where land all around it is selling for $.50 to $1.50 per square foot, up against his "41% efficient Solar Collector" anytime.
That is, If I can hire Jones Beene to do the harvesting and stompin/squeezing for energy storage. :-) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_crop#Yields_of_common_crops_associated_with_biodiesel_production http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha http://www.jatrophaseeds.com/jatropha_curcas.htm "Jatropha curcas grows almost anywhere, even on gravelly, sandy and saline soils. It can thrive on the poorest stony soil. It can grow even in the crevices of rocks. The leaves shed during the winter months form mulch around the base of the plant. The organic matter from shed leaves enhance earth-worm activity in the soil around the root-zone of the plants, which improves the fertility of the soil. Climatically, Jatropha curcas is found in the tropics and subtropics and likes heat, although it does well even in lower temperatures and can withstand a light frost. Its water requirement is extremely low and it can stand long periods of drought by shedding most of its leaves to reduce transpiration loss. Jatropha curcas is also suitable for preventing soil erosion and shifting of sand dunes. " Fred
