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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment » Soil, Water & Air Resources Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #282380
Title: Future prospects for corn as a biofuel crop

Author
item MOORE, KENNETH - Iowa State University
item Karlen, Douglas
item LAMKEY, KENDALL - Iowa State University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2013
Publication Date: 1/5/2014
Citation: Moore, K.J., Karlen, D.L., Lamkey, K.R. 2014. Future prospects for corn as a biofuel crop. In: Goldman, S.L., Chittaranjan, K., editors. Compendium of Bioenergy Plants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor & Taylor Francis Group. p. 331-352.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Future opportunities for continuing to use corn (Zea mays L.) as the foundation for a viable biofuel industry in the Midwestern U.S. are examined in this chapter. Positive and negative aspects of the current "grain dominated" system and the emerging use of stover as a cellulosic feedstock are examined. Long-term productivity, soil quality, and soil fertility as well as water quality and quantity effects are reviewed. Prospects for overcoming the concerns regarding the use of corn for biofuels are discussed with a focus on developing an integrated landscape vision. We conclude that corn can and very likely will have a positive impact on our energy future. The use of best management practices and encouraging an overall landscape approach are critical for success.