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Soybeans

Soybeans are a global food crop and are grown throughout much of South and North America and Asia. Of all the soybeans in the world, the United States produces around 32 percent, followed by Brazil at roughly 28 percent. Soybeans are used to produce biodiesel instead of ethanol. They are still frequently used for the production of biofuel, despite its rather high price as a food crop. 

Disadvantages of Soybeans:

  • Is susceptible to numerous diseases and pests

  • Normally not a profitable biofuel feedstock

  • The energy needed to cultivate soybeans is greater than that can be derived from the fuel produced from them

  • It is a common food source, so using it to produce biofuel will directly affect the food chain

  • Lowest yield of any crop at roughly 70 gallons of biodiesel per acre

Advantages of Soybeans:

  • Could be grown in many regions

  • Easy to maintain

Citation I-75

Citation I-74

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