Fuel Crops

Abstract

In view of the fact that crop residues are unlikely to make any substantial contribution to the energy supply of industrialized nations and that their use in poor countries should be restricted, rather than expanded, to prevent further environmental degradation and food productivity declines, growing crops solely for energy might not immediately appear an appealing idea. Indeed I share with many of my colleagues a very critical attitude toward these efforts currently promoted in Brazil and the United States and which are a matter of high interest and growing research funding in many countries around the world.

Whatever grows will rise in mad confusion

And toil must guide the crop to its conclusion.

I have not neglected to provide

The common peasants with a knowing guide

But still I feel a natural unrest

That such a foreman may not do his best.

—Tu Fu Directing Farmers (trans. H. G. Wells)

I wonder who is sowing those fields of ours.…

—Li Po To His Two Children (trans. Shigeyoshi Obata)