Section 2.2: Impact of Biotechnology and Biofuels on the EnvironmentSoil HealthBiotechnology is not a source of energy but its processes can be used to produce biofuels (Demirbas, 2009). Biofuels promise a better source of sustainable and renewable energy, however this issue is debatable (Jose et.al, 2008). Soil is part of a complete ecosystem as it is a habitat for some organisms, so its importance cannot be underestimated. Marginal lands can be defined as low-quality lands that have low agricultural value. Most crops used for biofuel production are grown on marginal land as they require fewer nutrients, which prevents the use of land that has good soil quality (Lian and Ghazoul, 2008). Farmers allow the nutrient-rich portions of the plant to decompose in the soil, this helps maintain good quality soil (Jose et.al, 2008). In the process of producing biofuels using plants, rich and high-quality soils will be overused as soybeans and corn require fertile soils for growth. This is because the plants need to be produced on a large scale for better yield. Soil erosion may occur due to complete harvesting of crops (Jose et.al, 2008). Corn, one of the plants used to produce biofuels, requires intensive irrigation, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides raises a serious environmental concern. Biotechnology can be used to alter crops so that their production does not harm the environment, however this may slow the process (Demirbas, 2009). Biodiversity and tropical forests Some biofuels derived from agricultural products, forestry products and municipal waste have less impact on biodiversity because they use unwanted waste (Lian and Ghazoul, 2008). Biotechnology has full potential... half the paper... like skin cancer (Giampietro and Mayumi.2009). The increase in fuel prices leads to an increase in food prices, so if there is a high amount of fuel food prices will also be affordable for people in developing countries, this will lead to a decrease in the level of poverty (Giampeatro and Mayumi. 2009). Negative impacts The use of biofuels is playing an important role throughout the world, but the consequences resulting from their use also lead to problems in societies (Giampietro and Mayumi.2009). In most developing countries the majority of the population works in manufacturing industries, so the use of machinery results in a reduction in job opportunities (Giampietro and Mayumi). Furthermore, the use of plants in the production of biofuels will lead to the reduction of biodiversity as the specific plants used in their production will lead to the decrease due to high cultivation.