The ocean is a powerful force that covers most of our planet. But until recently, the rugged coastline hasn’t really been considered a source of farmable land due to salinity. Saltwater crops are being more carefully by scientists as a possible source of bio-fuels, an article in Science shows that developing saltwater crops in coastal and salty areas could help open up vast new areas of land previously thought unusable.
WiredScience reports on new findings that show the biomass producing potential of salt-loving plants for use in alternative fuels:
Citing the work of Robert Glenn, a plant biologist at the University of Arizona, two biologists argue in this week’s Science that “the increasing demand for agricultural products and the spread of salinity now make this concept worth serious consideration and investment.”
Glenn has been arguing for the value of all kinds of saltwater farming to a small but growing audience for nearly thirty years, but it is the demand for biomass to turn into fuel that brought NASA calling. His team’s report for the agency estimates that salt-loving crops could be used to produce 1.5 billion barrels of ethanol annually on a swath of new agricultural land almost five times the size of Texas.
Salt-loving plants, called halophytes, have been the subject of ongoing research as possible biomass sources for creating cellulosic ethanol. This research is very important to avoid stressing the food market and using food crops for fuel instead of feeding the hungry. Hopefully this research will help move us towards sustainable biofuels that don’t affect food productions.
Another promising source of biofuels is algae, which very efficiently produces oil for biodiesel. The first algae biodiesel plant opened in Texas earlier this year.
With rising food costs and unsustainable farming practices leaving many former farming areas polluted by salt from irrigation runoff, growing salt-loving plants and algae for use as fuel is a promising solution to the food crisis. Saltwater crops for cellulosic ethanol and algae biodiesel are two pieces in the sustainable energy puzzle. And they’re all thanks to our oceans.
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Megan Prusynski
I grew up camping and hiking in the woods of Idaho, leading to a connection with and deep respect for nature. I recently moved to the Mendocino coast in Northern California, where I was happy to find not only beautiful redwoods and beaches, but a high level of green consciousness. I am a graphic and web designer who focuses on making the world a better place through sustainable design and communication. I specialize in green design solutions for small businesses, non-profits, and activist organizations. When I'm not designing, I'm hiking, camping, traveling, taking pictures, blogging, and spending time with my boyfriend and our "fur-kids." You can find out more about me on my sites and blogs: my personal site, volksvegan.org, or unplug magazine.
One Response to Food or Fuel? Both – with the Help of Saltwater Crops and Algae
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This is great to hear do you know if fuels like E-85 can be made from this. I just converted one of my vehicles to E-85 and the car performs better than ever. there just is not enough availability out there. this could be a solution. Thanks for the info i will have to look further into this subject.