Nitrogen Fertilization Rate Effects Corn Biomass Production and Potential Ethanol Yield.

Corn biomass has been identified as a source feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production.  Nitrogen fertilizer application is known to increase grain and silage yields, but little is known about its affect on potential ethanol yield.  Corn was grown at eight site-years with seven N rates plus a zero check in Minnesota.  Stalk and cob biomass was determined along with potential ethanol yield based on the cell wall sugars found in the stover.  The application of N increased biomass yields of stalks and cobs, while in most cases decreasing cell wall sugar concentrations.  The net potential ethanol yield increased because of the increased biomass yield.