Biofuels are fuels extracted from plants and crops and these have vari...
Answer: b
Explanation: Biofuels may lead to monoculture where farmers will prefer cultivating such crops which can be used in making biofuels. Fertilizers used in such crops will only increase the fertilizer use. Biofuels are renewable source and this is their advantage compared to non-renewable fossil fuels. Use of Fertilizers: As biofuels are produced from crops and these crops need fertilizers to grow better. The downside of using fertilizers is that they can have harmful effects on surrounding environment and may cause water pollution. Fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus. They can be washed away from soil to nearby lake, river or pond. Monoculture: Monoculture refers to practice of producing same crops year after year, rather than producing various crops through a farmer’s fields over time. While, this might be economically attractive for farmers but growing same crop every year may deprive the soil of nutrients that are put back into the soil through crop rotation. Farmers may be tempted to produce crops which are goof for biofuels.
View all questions of this test
Biofuels are fuels extracted from plants and crops and these have vari...
Advantages of Biofuels:
Advantages of biofuels include increasing agricultural diversity, reduced use of fertilizers, and being a renewable source of energy.
Increased Agricultural Diversity:
- By extracting fuels from a variety of plants and crops, biofuels promote agricultural diversity.
- This reduces the dependency on a single crop for fuel production, which can help in maintaining soil health and preventing monoculture farming practices.
Reduced Use of Fertilizers:
- Biofuel crops such as switchgrass and algae require fewer fertilizers compared to traditional crops like corn and soybeans.
- This reduction in fertilizer usage can lead to decreased environmental pollution, including the runoff of harmful chemicals into water bodies.
Renewable Source of Energy:
- Biofuels are derived from organic materials such as plants and crops that can be replenished through natural processes.
- Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite resources, biofuels offer a sustainable and renewable source of energy that can help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, biofuels offer multiple advantages, including increasing agricultural diversity, reducing fertilizer usage, and providing a renewable source of energy. These benefits make biofuels a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.