re: THERMODYNAMICS AND THE SUSTAINABILITY OF FOOD PRODUCTIO
John C. Mayne (jmayne@gaes.griffin.peachnet.edu)
Tue, 26 Nov 1996 10:31:44 +0500
While I like sustainable systems described in terms of energy flows,
it seems to me that the polluted water example also does not serve as
an accurate example of increased entropy. It appears that in the example
given, the level (degree?) of entropy would differ depending on the
user. For example, the amount of energy needed
to clean polluted water for pine tree irrigation would be less than
that needed to clean it for consumption by children. So,
Jay Hanson's example demands two ( or infinite) levels of entropy at the
same time depending on the intended use of the water.
John C. Mayne, Ph.D.
SARE Producer Grants Coordinator
Southern Region SARE
1109 Experiment Street
Griffin, GA 30223-1797
Ph: (770) 229-3350
Fx: (770) 412-4789
email: jmayne@gaes.griffin.peachnet.edu