Utilization of Ethanol Bypoducts as Nitrogen Fertilizer in Corn.

With the increase in ethanol production there is also an increase in by-products.  Without proper disposal these by-products might cause future economic and/or ecological problems.  Land application has potential as a disposal method if these by-products have nutritive value for agricultural crops.  The purpose of this study was to compare the use of two by-products of ethanol production as nitrogen fertilizer against urea in corn.  The experiment was a split block design with four replications split between tillage and no-till.  Within each split dry distillers grain (DDG) and ash were applied at rates of 40, 80, 120, and 180 lbs of nitrogen per acre.  A urea control was assigned at the same rates, as well as zero rates within tilled and no-till.  The corn yields with DDG and urea followed a similar trend across tillage treatments.  Corn yield for ash at all rates and tillage treatments was lower than that of DDG and urea.  Land application has potential merit for disposal of DDG and ash with DDG being preferred.