How to Grow Biodiesel Fuel

As petroleum supplies fluctuate and concern over pollution and climate change increase, biodiesel is becoming more attractive as a way to fuel automobiles. Many plants, from trees to algae, can be used to create biodiesel; the biggest problem is finding the land on which to grow them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Acquire a large tract of land near a facility that processes biodiesel. Although you don't have to be near the facility, transporting your crop long distances using vehicles that run on petroleum-based fuel defeats the purpose of growing biodiesel.

2. Find out what kind of crop the facility wants to process into biodiesel. Corn and soybeans are popular with facilities in the Midwest, but those in other areas may be set up to process anything from hemp to sunflower seeds. Any plant that contains vegetable oil can be used.

3. Ask for government assistance in preparing your land and buying the seeds to grow your biodiesel crop. Keep all records for reports back to the government and to assist you in completing your tax return.

4. Grow, harvest and sell your crop. Use biodiesel to run the tractors and other machines you need to grow and harvest your crop.

Tips & Warnings

• Subscribe to Biodiesel Magazine to keep up with what's going on in the biodiesel industry.
• Consider brewing your own biodiesel. To do this, you will need to meet additional government requirements and pay fuel taxes, but the process isn't difficult.
• Be aware that some believe that growing crops for biodiesel will result in a global food shortage, so your decision to grow biodiesel may be an unpopular one.

Resources

• Read the Environmental Protection Agency's factsheet.
• Algae Biodiesel