Corn Stover Removal for Biofuels: Implications for Soil Characteristics and Plant Development.

Corn Stover Removal for Biofuels: Implications for Soil Characteristics and Plant Development 

Deanna Boardma, Kellar Nelson, Bill Wiebold

Agricultural biomasses exhibit significant potential as feedstocks for biofuels for their high carbohydrate content and vast abundance. Conversion of cellulose from agricultural residues into ethanol provides an additional renewable energy source not directly linked to the food supply. Corn residue would be the most practical source as a cellulosic feedstock as it is the single largest source of cellulosic agricultural biomass in America (Reddy & Yang, 2005).

Traditionally after grain harvest, crop residues consisting of the plant stalks, leaves, husks and cobs, remain on the soil surface in no till systems to naturally decompose. Residues play a vital role in the preservation of soil quality by contributing significant amounts of organic matter and providing a barrier against harsh environmental conditions. Very little research has been conducted on how the changes to soil characteristics from residue removal affect subsequent development.   As a result, this research addresses how changes to soil properties from residue removal result in differences in seedling emergence which may alter grain yeild, residue yield and harvest index.

References

Reddy, N. & Yang, Y. 2005. Structure and properties of high quality natural cellulose fibers from cornstalks. Polymer 46, 5494-5500.