Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture

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Browsing Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture by Author "Carson, Emma"

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    Sustainable Ethanol Identifying and Assessing Sorghum and Jerusalem Artichoke as Alternatives to Corn as a Source of Ethanol
    Carson, Emma; Choi, Peter; Sama, Rohan; Velaga , Supraj (Virginia Governor's School for Agirculture, 2024-07-20)
    This research explores sorghum and Jerusalem artichoke as sustainable alternatives to corn for ethanol production in the United States. With nearly 30% of the U.S. corn supply dedicated to specifically ethanol production, concerns over corn use distribution and environmental impact have been raised. Sorghum and Jerusalem artichoke offer promising solutions due to their resilience and efficiency in varied environmental conditions. This study evaluates sorghum's suitability through its high biomass yield, drought resistance, and adaptability across different climates. Research highlights its potential for sustainable ethanol production, emphasizing its low carbon emission rates and biomass production per acre annually. Integrating sorghum into existing agricultural systems will push toward biofuel production efficiency without unnecessary funding for infrastructure changes. Similarly, Jerusalem artichoke is a robust alternative, thriving on marginal lands without consistent irrigation or fertilization. Its perennial trait to pests and diseases makes it a strong alternative for ethanol production. One of the most advantageous benefits of this crop is that it offers twice the ethanol yield that corn can produce per acre. The crop's inulin-rich tubers allow for efficient conversion into ethanol. Overall, Jerusalem artichoke is more sustainable and produces higher yields of ethanol. Findings indicate that both sorghum and Jerusalem artichoke align with sustainability goals by efficiently creating clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions when ethanol is being produced. Challenges such as harvesting infrastructure and technological adaptation for widespread adoption are assessed, alongside the potential economic and environmental implications of transitioning to these alternative crops. Ultimately, this research contributes to understanding the feasibility and benefits of finding biofuel sources beyond corn, aiming to support global clean energy initiatives and achieve USDA-NIFA sustainability goals by 2030. Adopting sorghum and Jerusalem artichoke as primary biofuel sources holds substantial promise in promoting responsible land use, reducing dependency on finite resources, and ensuring energy security in the face of climate change challenges.