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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #261729
Title: Corn stover for bioenergy: effect of N fertilization, winter cover crop and stover harvest on vertical biomass distribution and composition

Author
item MOURTZINIS, SPYRIDON - Auburn University
item Arriaga, Francisco
item Balkcom, Kipling
item BRANSBY, DAVID - Auburn University
item ORTIZ, BRENDA - Auburn University

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2010
Publication Date: 10/31/2010
Citation: Mourtzinis, S., Arriaga, F.J., Balkcom, K.S., Bransby, D., Ortiz, B. 2010. Corn stover for bioenergy: effect of N fertilization, winter cover crop and stover harvest on vertical biomass distribution and composition [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Biofuel production from plant biomass seems to be a suitable solution to mitigate fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cellulosic biomass seems to be a promising alternative renewable source of energy. The main components of plant material are cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, ash, protein, lipid, pectin, soluble sugars, and phenolic compounds. For biochemical conversion, cellulose is the most desirable component. Lignin is known to inhibit biomass hydrolysis. However, for thermochemical conversion, lignin is the most desirable plant component. Corn is a highly promising crop for biomass production. Nevertheless, biomass and grain yield could be affected by nutrient availability and winter cover crop rotation. Insufficient N supply during the growing season can reduce biomass yield. A winter cover crop like rye (Secale cereale L.) could increase corn yields. Further, these factors could possibly affect the composition of stover. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of N fertilization, rye cover crop and corn stover removal for bioenergy production on vertical composition of corn stover.