Assignment 1

A question was asked that if we greatly increase crop yields by genetic enhancement/breeding and/or management practices won’t we take too much from the ground and deplete mother earth? Please provide an answer to this question including whether you think it will deplete the ground or not and why you think as you state. For an example let’s say we increase the harvested dry matter yield of a biomass crop from 20,000 kg/ha to 50,000 kg/ha and this harvested material is converted into energy. Post your answer to this blog.

Lecture by EBI Director, Chris Somerville, on plants and energy

Why Plant Biochemistry

The biochemistry of plants is fundamental to all life on earth. The molecular building blocks of humans and other animals are made in plants including fixed carbon and nitrogen. Important nutritional components such as most vitamins, essential amino acids, fatty acids including omega-3 fatty acids are made in plants. Hydrocarbon reserves including oil, coal and natural gas originates with photosynthesis in plants. Plants are becoming increasingly important sources of renewable chemicals for industry.