The Solar Corridor Challenge.

Solar Corridor Yield Data presented at the '07 International Meetings in "The Solar Corridor Hypothesis"  by Deichman and (R A) Nelson, indicated that, with specific hybrids, we can produce as much or more corn on 1 pair of 7.5 inch twin rows in the solar corridor, as we can on 2 conventionally spaced, 30 or 36 inch rows. It is hypothesized, that, the solar corridor enables the mature chloroplasts to access more photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for an extended duration of time, which enables the continued bio-synthesis of CO2 into carbohydrates, which, when directed by the right set of genetically driven but environment LIMITED enzymes; does, fully satisfy both, reproductive and  vegetative sink demands, through final stages of kernel fill, to enable higher  yield. Thus, (site specific) selection and placement, of hybrids and  of hybrids and complimentary solar corridor floor cultivars, is basic to success,with the solar corridor crop system. 

If 360 degree synergies are developed and implemented on a site specific basis we have the potential to offer a new production paradigm that delivers increased productivity and efficient use of finite production resources. Using the ('07) rotation example presented;  with winter wheat and seedling clover utilizing the solar corridor floor, one could easily extrapolate, the possibility* of producing enough corn starch in the United States, to produce an extra 30 billion gal. of fuel ethanol, without increasing the number of United States corn acres and without taking corn from current uses. The example used assumes 75-85 million acres of corn and 75-85 million acres of winter wheat/seedling clover on 150-170 million crop acres. A most basic challenge that I see,-how to harvest the solar corridor floor wheat crop- will be a major focus of this paper.

*pending sufficient hybrid development