Dave Balderstone wrote:

In article , Robert Bonomi
wrote:

How many acres of farmland does it take to produce say, 1,000 barrels of
either ethanol or biodiesel?

That's a good question, and I've throw it to at one of our senior
reporters at work (farm newspaper) to see if they know the answer.

....

I've not seen it in those terms altho it can be derived...what's more
significant and what is the focus of all reports I've seen is the NEV
(net energy value)--how much energy is available after production
inputs, distribution, etc.
The production on a per bushel basis isn't so useful a measure so it
normally isn't the focus.

Last data I saw was roughly 1.33 for ethanol. I don't recall for
biodiesel, but it's 1. Both are improving w/ time, from both improved
processes and fuel stock enhancements. Reducing inputs w/ more
efficient cultivation practices, reduced water/chemical/fertilizer
inputs is also a factor.