So, What's so great about
Soybean Biodiesel?



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Well, something's got to be great about soybean biodiesel, because 59% of biodiesel is produced from soybean oil! Here are the benefits and disadvantages I found...


oil for soybean biodiesel Benefits and Facts of Soybean Based Biodiesel:

• The biodiesel

tax incentive has been extended through 2011

• The National Biodiesel Board granted the Danforth Center $1.2 million to fund three years of research to increase the oil content in the seeds.

• In the year 2000, soybeans and corn were the largest U.S. crops.

• The soy meal produced from crushing is used for food. In fact, soybean crush is currently driven by demand for the meal, NOT the oil.

• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a report that says soybean biodiesel produces 93% more energy than is used to produce it.

• It deceases greenhouse gas emissions by 41%

• It produces an average of 48 gallons per acre.

• The soybeans have 20% oil content.


And Some Disadvantages:

• In 2005 a bushel of soybeans was under $5, and now in 2011 it is nearing $16.

• Producing biodiesel from soybean oil has a net energy loss of 32% according to a study done by Berkley.edu.

• It deceases greenhouse gas emissions by 41%

• It produces an average of 48 gallons per acre.

• The soybeans have 20% oil content.




Growing Conditions:

• Ideal growing temperatures have a mean of 68-86 degrees F, (20-30 C).

• Growth is significantly stunted when temperatures are lower than 68F (20C) or higher than 104F (40C).

• It takes 80-120 days from the time the seeds are sewed till harvest time


For additional information check out these great soybean graphs and statistics!


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