Discussion Chapter 6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion Chapter 6 - Essay Example In the long-run, the country will be facing a water shortage due to huge volume needed to support the processing of grains into ethanol. Another problem that the country may be confronted with is the rising corn acreage which demands extensive fertilization (Runge). Fertilization adds nitrogen and phosphorous into the lakes and streams; thus, resulting in the eventual destruction of aquatic life (Runge , par 13). In view of the above, it is proposed that the corn subsidy be instead transferred to subsidy in grass to produce bio-fuel. A major advantage of using grass, particularly switchgrass is that it grows easily. It does not require fertile land unlike other food crops. Since grass is not consumed by humans, it will not have any effect on food prices, unlike that of corn. If the change is implemented, then the debate between fuel and food is eliminated (Bionomicfuel.com 1). An increase in subsidy for switchgrass will even encourage farmers to plant this type of grass in land which are not used for agricultural production. Runge, C. Ford. "The case against biofuels: Probing ethanols hidden cost." 11 March 2010. e360.yale.edu. Web. 5 June 2012