Miscanthus reduces escape of nitrogen into the environment, according to study

In Illinois, miscanthus and other biofuels crops actually reduce the escape of nitrogen into the environment, according to a study performed at the University of Illinois.

The study compared miscanthus, switchgrass, and mixed prairie species against a traditional corn and soybean rotation, and discovered that certain perennial crops quickly reduce nitrate in the soil. The lab plans to further study this cycle to understand more clearly the environmental effects of these crops on the soil.

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