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Browse by Author: Matthew Veal
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Sweet Sorghum Production to Support Energy and Industrial Products

By: Matthew Veal, Mari S. Chinn, Matthew Whitfield

This publication offers an overview of the cultivation, harvest, and marketing opportunities of sweet sorghum in North Carolina and the Southeast.

Ethanol and Two-Stroke Cycle Engines: Impacts of an Alternative Fuel in Small Engines

By: Matthew Veal

Because ethanol has different combustion characteristics than gasoline, some people suggest it will cause harm to two-stroke engines found in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), lawn and garden equipment, and marine engines. Two-stroke engines require an oil and gas mixture for a fuel source, and the oil and gas are mixed in a ratio specified by the engine manufacturer. Fortunately, the concern with ethanol blended fuels is primarily associated with older engines. The majority of engine manufacturers have now designed their engines to run on E-10 blends (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline), but some precautions still remain. This bulletin will discuss the reasoning behind these precautions and why owners of some equipment powered by two-stroke engines may have concerns.

Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Production

By: Matthew Veal, Mari S. Chinn, Larry Stikeleather, Matthew B. Whitfield

This factsheet describes how to process mature sweet sorghum into ethanol and how this process could be implemented on a farm or private residence in the southeastern United States.

A Guide to Biomass Fuels in North Carolina

By: Matthew Veal, William G. Brown

This publication gives an overview of biomass fuels, important characteristics for consumers to consider, and the economics of using these fuels.

Ethanol: A Gasoline Alternative for North Carolina

By: Matthew Veal, Mari Chinn

Ethanol is an alternative fuel source that can be produced domestically from renewable materials. Learn about the different mixtures of ethanol available and how their use can affect vehicles, gas mileage, and fuel costs. This publication answers basic consumer questions about ethanol, its production, and its relationship to the U.S. corn crop, food prices, and sustainable energy.

Energy Pellets: A Heating Fuel Resource for North Carolina Farms and Homes

By: Matthew Veal, Edward Godfrey III

This publication explains the pelleting process and considerations for consumers interested in either developing small-scale heating pellet production systems or burning pellets to meet their heating needs.