Fitting Annual Winter Cereals and Red Clover Into the Corn Production System to Stimulate Biofuel Biomass Production.

Fitting Annual Winter Cereals and Red Clover into the Corn Production System to Stimulate Biofuel Biomass Production

Abstract:

There is a limited market for corn grain ethanol for farmers.  It is extremely important to look at practical options for corn growers to remain competitive in the ethanol market.  Cellulosic ethanol production is right around the corner, with two production facilities already in the development stages in Emmetsburg and Nevada, Iowa.  Incorporating cover crops into the corn production system could enhance corn growers’ profitability by producing a second cellulosic feedstock or by serving as a carbon source to replace soil carbon removed with corn stover.  Winter annual cereal crops such as cereal rye, wheat or triticale could provide a corn grower significant spring biomass for cellulosic ethanol.  Cover crop research at MSU/KBS has indicated that 0.5 to 1 ton of cereal rye biomass could be chopped as early as mid to late April for ethanol production, thus fitting the corn planting requirements.  If a perennial legume could be incorporated into a corn system without detrimental yield consequences, continuous biomass could be achieved without the need to plant a cover crop every year.  Red clover has been successfully established in corn systems, but has not been utilized in this manner to date.  The objective of this study is to develop an environmentally sound biomass system using winter annual cereals or a legume for year-round ground cover, evaluate the total biomass yield at these systems, evaluate the biofuel yield of these systems, and finally evaluate the life cycle analysis of these systems for carbon, energy, and revenue.

The study will be evaluated in two different locations (E. Lansing and MSU/KBS) using a randomized complete block design with four replications.  This experiment evaluated four cropping systems:  whole plant/no cover, whole plant/cereal rye, whole plant/triticale, and whole plant/red clover and oilseed radish.  All treatments were managed the same for fertility, weed, and pest control.

Data will be analyzed using analysis of variance appropriate for a randomized complete block design and analysis of covariance.  Mean separations will be accomplished using LS Means.  Probability levels lower than 0.05 will be categorized as significant.  A life cycle analysis for carbon, energy, and revenue will be evaluated for each system.  The system showing the lowest environmental impact will be determined.

Incorporating cover crops into the corn ethanol system will decrease soil and nutrient losses while increasing total biomass and biofuel.  It is expected that these systems will benefit the farmer’s carbon and nitrogen budgets for the lifecycle analysis.  By increasing biomass and biofuel production, the Michigan and American farmers should increase their profits. It will also enhance and expand corn markets for value-added uses and could return significant value to corn farmers.