Whether directly or indirectly, you'vep probably heard your fair share of information regarding the role corn has played in this year's food crisis. After all, it is corn's use in the production of ethanol, an alternative fuel in such high demand that farmers began focusing extensively on this crop at the sake of growing others.

For as many pro-ethanol individuals as there are, it seems there is an equal number of opponents, who claim that beyond the food supply issues, the production of ethanol itself generates enough carbon emissions that it outweights the benefits of the reduced emissions. Corn requires 0.05 fluid ounces of diesel fuel per ear of corn, which translates to approximately 65.9 million gallons in the United States overall. That being said, from the 0.05 gallons of diesel required to make a bushel of corn, 2.7 gallons of ethanol can be produced.

The production of field corn also requires the use of insecticides to protect the crops from - you guessed it - insects, such as worms and maggots. This is a double-edge sword, since opponents of insecticide use say it is bad for the environment, however with the world relying on corn for both food and fuel, farmers must also do what is required to ensure the crops are not overtaken and destroyed by pests.

» Wired