BIOMASS

Biomass
Biomass is the oldest source of energy ever
since prehistoric man discovered fire. Biomass is a
renewable energy because it can be replenished
or regenerated on a human time scale, in contrast
t0 fossil fuels whose formation extends through
geologic time.
 Unlike fossil fuels, which are also energy
derived from the remains of plants that have
died millions of years ago, biomass takes carbon
out of the atmosphere while it is growing and
returns it as it is burned
 However, there will be detrimental effects to the
environment 1f the production of biomass is n0t
properly managed and sustainable agricultural
processes are not followed. It may lead to problems
such as soil degradation, erosion, and desertification
especially with the practice of monoculture.
 Energy is also needed in growing crops,
making fertilizers and pesticides, and
processing plants into fuel. There is,
however, an ongoing debate on whether
ethanol from corn provides more energy
than the expended energy used in growing
and processing.