Corn stover

Corn stover refers to the leftover plant material from corn (Zea mays L.) after the harvest of grain. It includes the stalks, leaves, husks, and cobs. Corn stover is a significant component of the biomass produced in corn farming and is a potential source of bioenergy and biofuel.

Composition

Corn stover is composed of the plant parts that remain in the field after the harvest of corn grain. The composition of corn stover is variable, but it generally consists of approximately 50% stalks, 34% leaves, 8% cobs, and 8% husks. The exact composition can vary depending on the corn variety, the growing conditions, and the harvesting method.

Uses

Traditionally, corn stover has been left in the field to decompose and enrich the soil with organic matter. However, it has several other potential uses. It can be used as a feedstock for ethanol production, as a source of cellulosic ethanol, and as a raw material for the production of bioplastics and other bio-based products. It can also be used as a forage for livestock, although its nutritional value is lower than that of corn grain.

Environmental Impact

The removal of corn stover from fields can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the positive side, it can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere when the stover decomposes. On the negative side, it can lead to soil erosion and the loss of soil fertility if not managed properly.

Challenges

One of the main challenges in using corn stover as a bioenergy source is the cost and difficulty of collection and transportation. Corn stover is bulky and has a low energy density, which makes it expensive to collect and transport. Another challenge is the potential impact on soil fertility and long-term sustainability of corn production.

See also

• Cellulosic ethanol
• Bioenergy
• Biomass
• Corn

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  Illustration of Zea mays
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  Corn field in Liechtenstein with mountains in the background
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  Bales from corn stems