The conversion of the complex carbohydrates in organic material into energy.
Biogas
A combustible gas created by anaerobic decomposition of organic material, composed primarily of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.
Biogasification or biomethanization
The process of decomposing biomass with anaerobic bacteria to produce biogas.
Biological pest control
Using living organisms such as beneficial insects or parasites to destroy garden pests.
Biomass
As defined by the Energy Security Act (PL 96-294) of 1980, "any organic matter which is available on a renewable basis, including agricultural crops and agricultural wastes and residues, wood and wood wastes and residues, animal wastes, municipal wastes, and aquatic plants.".
Biomass fuel
Biomass converted directly to energy or converted to liquid or gaseous fuels such as ethanol, methanol, methane, and hydrogen.
Biomass gasification
The conversion of biomass into a gas, by biogasification or thermal gasification, in which hydrogen is produced from high-temperature gasifying and low-temperature pyrolysis of biomass.
Biophotolysis
The action of light on a biological system that results in the dissociation of a substrate, usually water, to produce hydrogen.
Bird bath
Small, inconsequential amounts of water on a roof that quickly evaporate.
Bird screen
Wire mesh installed over openings in order to prevent birds from entering a building or roof cavity.
