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Influence of Corn Residue Harvest Management on Grain, Stover, and Energy Yields

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Abstract

Economic, environmental, and energy independence issues are contributing to rising fossil fuel prices, petroleum supply concerns, and a growing interest in biomass feedstocks as renewable energy sources. Potential feedstocks include perennial grasses, timber, and annual grain crops with our focus being on corn (Zea mays L.) stover. A plot-scale study evaluating stover removal was initiated in 2008 on a South Carolina Coastal Plain Coxville/Rains–Goldsboro–Lynchburg soil association site. In addition to grain and stover yields, carbon balance, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil quality impact reported elsewhere in this issue, variation in gross energy distribution within various plant fractions — whole plant, below ear shank (bottom), above ear shank (top), cob, as well as leaves and stems of the bottom and top portions (n (part, year) = 20) was measured with an isoperibol calorimeter. Stalks from above the ear shank were the most energy dense, averaging 18.8 MJ/kg db, and when combined with other plant parts from above the ear shank, the entire top half was more energy dense than the bottom half — 18.4 versus 18.2 MJ/kg db. Gross energy content of the whole plant, including the cob, averaged 18.28 ± 0.76 MJ/kg db. Over the 4 years, partial to total removal (i.e., 25 % to 100 %) of above-ground plant biomass could supply between 30 and 168 GJ/ha depending upon annual rainfall. At 168 GJ/ha, the quantity of corn stover biomass (whole plant) available in a 3,254-km2 area (32 km radius) around the study site could potentially support a 500-MW power plant.

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Abbreviations

B:

Bottom (below ear) stover portion

BL:

Bottom leaves portion

BS:

Bottom stalk portion

HHV:

Higher heating value

T:

Top (above ear) stover portion

TL:

Top leaves portion

TS:

Top stalk portion

WP:

Whole stover plant (excluding grain)

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the many hands involved with field and sample collection, sample preparation, and sample analyses: Chuck Parker, Karen Barefoot, Sheneeka Sansbury, Ashley Kelley, Elizabeth Ford, Brittney Wallace, Cierra Buckman, Joe Millen, and Jerry Martin II. The authors thank Dr. Jane Johnson and the journal reviewers for their input into the revisions. The authors would like to acknowledge the following for funding: USDA-Agricultural Research Service as part of the USDA-ARS-REAP project. Additional funding sources were with the North Central Regional SunGrant Center at South Dakota State University through a grant provided by the USDOE – Office of Biomass Programs under award number DE-FC36-05GO85041.

Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2611 West Lucas Street, Florence, SC, 29501, USA

    Keri B. Cantrell, Jeffrey M. Novak & Donald W. Watts

  2. Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Clemson University, 2200 Pocket Road, Florence, SC, 29501, USA

    James R. Frederick

  3. National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, USDA-ARS, 2110 University Boulevard, Ames, IA, 50011, USA

    Douglas L. Karlen

Authors
  1. Keri B. Cantrell
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  2. Jeffrey M. Novak
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  3. James R. Frederick
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  4. Douglas L. Karlen
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  5. Donald W. Watts
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jeffrey M. Novak.

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Cantrell, K.B., Novak, J.M., Frederick, J.R. et al. Influence of Corn Residue Harvest Management on Grain, Stover, and Energy Yields. Bioenerg. Res. 7, 590–597 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-014-9433-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-014-9433-9

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