Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel and Biodiesel – the way forward?

Dear Reader

No one understands the impact of global warming more acutely than agricultural and rural industries. The effects of pollution on our air and water quality, and contamination of arable land are felt by all.

The use of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) and Biodiesel in agricultural vehicles and machinery can no doubt play a useful role in enhancing our rural environment and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it has been suggested by DEFRA that the production of alternatives to standard diesel fuel could also open up new market opportunities for farmers.

So are ULSD and Biodiesel the way forward and what are the potential pitfalls? This issue of Growing Skills aims to give you the facts and assist you in making the right choice for your business. If you know of anyone else that may benefit from receiving this information simply click on the button above to forward it to them.

Best wishes

James

What are ULSD and Biodiesel?

ULSD, or ‘clean diesel', refers to fuel that has been refined so that it is 97% cleaner than standard diesel in terms of sulphur content. Sulphur is one of the key causes of soot in exhaust fumes and therefore a prime contributor to air pollution. As a result of the EU's Fuel Quality Directive almost all petroleum-based diesel fuels available in the UK are of ULSD type. In addition, all non-road mobile machinery is also now required to be virtually sulphur free.

Biodiesel is fuel derived from plant material, for example rape seed, and recycled elements of the food chain such as vegetable and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used either as a blend with mineral diesel or as a stand-alone fuel.

Benefits of USLD and Biodiesel

• The use of these fuels can cut emissions of CO² and contribute to meeting UK targets for alleviating climate change
• They can reduce emissions of some exhaust pipe pollutants such as nitrogen oxide
• Biodiesel is safely and easily biodegradable
• The removal of sulphur should improve the efficiency of your vehicle engine
• When combined they will improve engine lubrication

The pitfalls

• Energy crops can take up valuable food production areas
• Also in tropical areas there has also been a lot of criticism over jungle areas being cleared and palm oil being planted to supply the Bio Diesel industry
• They are more expensive – producing biofuels costs twice as much as fossil fuels and when you add in the current high fuel duty this makes them a pricey alternative
• They can produce a reduction in power and fuel economy
• Biodiesel can pose stability and storage problems such as moisture absorption, oxidation and microbial growth
• Biodiesel can increase the risk of problems occurring in your engine and reduce the service life of your engine components

Course Information

NPTC CS30/CS31 Chainsaw
Maintenance Operation, Cross Cutting and Felling of Small Trees
6th to 10th June

BASIS Certificate in Conservation Management
8th to 10th June

2 day LANTRA Chainsaw
Maintenance Operation & Cross Cutting
13th & 14th June

Brush Cutters and Strimmers
14th June

ATV (Quad Bike)
16th June

PA1 – Safe use of Pesticides
16th June

Dry Stone Walling
Introduction
18th June

NPTC CS38/CS39 Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Using a Chainsaw in a Harness
20th to 27th June

Rough Terrain Telescopic (Forklift)
21st & 23rd June and 23rd & 24th June

PA4 – Granule Application
21st June

Dry Stone Walling
Walling Features
25th June

Blacksmithing & Ornamental Ironwork
Module 2
25th June

Introduction to Tractor Driving
29th & 30th June