Biodiesel

An alternative to standard diesel fuel, this clean-burning, renewable fuel is created by combining methanol or ethanol (the base) with vegetable oil, such as canola or soybean oil, or animal fat. It can be used in any diesel engine, either by itself or blended with petroleum diesel.

Biodiversity

The biological diversity of life on Earth. As human influence spreads, concern rises over the reduction of the total number of species and its effect on economics, medicine, and the ability of ecosystems to remain viable.

Biofertilizers

Microorganisms that increase the amount of nutrients available to plants.

Biofuel

Any fuel derived from an organic material that is not fossilized like coal or petroleum. Common sources of biofuel grown for the U.S. and European markets are corn, soybeans, flaxseed and rapeseed. Biofuel can appear in solid, liquid, or gas form.

Biomass

Organic, non-fossil material available on a renewable basis. Biomass includes all biological organisms, dead or alive, and their metabolic by-products that haven't been transformed by geological processes into substances such as coal or petroleum.

Biopesticides

Microorganisms that increase the amount of nutrients available to plants.

Biosphere

That part of a planet's outer shell -- including air, land, and water -- within which life occurs, and which biotic processes alter or transform.

Biotechnology

Plant biotechnology is an extension of traditional plant breeding with an important difference - plant biotechnology allows for the transfer of a greater variety of genetic information in a more precise, controlled manner. It allows for the transfer of one, or a few, genes that can introduce traits such as better insect and weed control.