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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Energy potential of Texas crops and agricultural residues

Book ·
OSTI ID:6067918
This report presents results of research to determine the identity and quantity of the agricultural residues and crops available for energy conversion in Texas; establish geographical energy densities for agricultural residues and crops in Texas; and evaluate economic and technical feasibility for collecting, transporting, and storing agricultural materials for central-processing plants. During the 6-year period, 1970 to 1976, 76% of the total principal crop acreage harvested in Texas was in 5 crops: sorghum, cotton, wheat, corn, and rice. An annual average of more than 20 million tons of residue was produced from slightly over 15 million acres. This residue had theoretical heat value of 270 x 10/sup 12/ Btu. This represents over 64% of the total energy input for Texas agriculture in 1973 of 416 x 10/sup 12/ and about 1.7 times the energy demand for irrigation in Texas agriculture. The actual amount of usable energy which could be obtained would depend on conversion method and efficiency.
OSTI ID:
6067918
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English