Study determines soil quality not affected by corn cob recovery for biofuels

In South Dakota, Poet released a study by ISU based on the Poet cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmitsburg, that concluded that corn cobs are both economical and environmentally friendly as a feedstock. The study also concluded that fertilizer treatment for a field in which cobs have been removed would be almost identical to treatment of a field in which cobs were not removed.

ISU researchers will continue their work this year on the test plots, compiling more data to help farmers manage their land well while taking advantage of an additional revenue source from their fields. Previous research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that cobs contain only 2-3 percent of the measured nutrients of the above-ground corn plant.

The collaboration between POET and ISU takes a closer look at data regarding soil quality and nutrient levels, the impact of cob and stover removal on future plant growth and recommended levels of fertilizer applications, if any, for cob or stover removal.

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