How much organic matter does it take to make a barrel of oil? How long does it take?

Question

If I were to take a bunch of dead leaves and put it in a highly pressurized, oxygen-free oven for a few days/weeks/months would I get oil?

Answer 1

No. You are more likely to get a low grade form of coal.

Since there is no real certain methodology on how oil forms, there is no real answer to your question.

This site should give you information.

http://geology.about.com/od/petroleum/a/...

Don't forget to check Wikipedia as well