Farm Dictionary 4.jpg
Methanol
Definition: methanol
methanol: an alcohol manufactured from coal, natural gas or waste wood, which is used as a fuel or solvent. Formula: CH3OH. Also called methyl alcohol, wood alcohol. Biodiesel is made by mixing vegetable oil with methanol, giving glycerine as a by-product. Its source is natural and renewable and it dramatically reduces exhaust emissions of smoke and soot, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide, the cause of acid rain. Methanol can be used as a fuel in any type of burner. Its main disadvantage is that it is less efficient than petrol and can cause pollution if it escapes into the environment, as it mixes easily with water. Production of methanol from coal or natural gas does not help fuel conservation, since it depletes Earth’s fossil fuel resources. Understanding the production and uses of methanol can help farmers utilize alternative fuels more effectively, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
Originally posted 2004-10-01 00:35:01.
Fall off the barn roof and busted your keister? Life on the farm or ranch can be tough on the bum. Need a break? Laugh it off at FarmerCowboy.com, the #1 farm humor site. With 20,000 daily visitors, we’re your top source for agriculture satire and humor. Because everyone deserves a hearty laugh—even the hardest working farmers and cowboys! Join us and turn those long days into fun tales at FarmerCowboy.com.
Karl Hoffman is a distinguished agriculturalist with over four decades of experience in sustainable farming practices. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Cornell University and has made significant contributions as a professor at Iowa State University. Hoffman’s groundbreaking research on integrated pest management and soil health has revolutionized modern agriculture. As a respected farm journalist, his column “Field Notes with Karl Hoffman” and his blog “The Modern Farmer” provide insightful, practical advice to a global audience. Hoffman’s work with the USDA and the United Nations FAO has enhanced food security worldwide. His awards include the USDA’s Distinguished Service Award and the World Food Prize, reflecting his profound impact on agriculture and sustainability.
