To provide alternatives to petroleum-based energy, enhance global security, and reduce carbon emissions, the U.S. government has mandated a greater proportion of energy portfolio be derived from plant-based fuels (i.e., 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act; EISA).
The issues of biofuels and invasive species have rarely been tackled together. These guidelines aim to fill this gap by highlighting the risks of biological invasion by species introduced for biofuels production and to provide constructive recommendations on how to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of invasive species resulting from biofuel developments.
There is widespread interest in biofuel crops as a solution to the world's energy needs, particularly in light of concerns over greenhouse-gas emissions.
Nitrogen (N) is essential to the survival of all life forms and often limits productivity, decomposition and the long-term accumulation of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil and vegetation are the respective primary and secondary sinks for N in terrestrial ecosystems. Litter production determines the amount and quality of N returned to the forest floor and mineral soil. Decomposition of litter is crucial for N recycling and is influenced by a number of factors, including litter concentrations of N and lignin.
US farmers appeal for commercial hemp farming Two farmers in the US state of North Dakota are appealing against a lower court's decision over commercial hemp farming. The lawsuit aims to end
The first place to become a World Heritage site, the Galapagos Islands, was recently declared under threat from "invasive species' by the UN. Experts say the 19-island archipalego and its
