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Corn Stover Nutrient Removal Estimates for Central Iowa, USA

Author

Listed:
  • Douglas L. Karlen

    (National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE), USDA-Agricultural Research Service, 2110 University Boulevard, Ames, IA 50011-3120, USA)

  • John L. Kovar

    (National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE), USDA-Agricultural Research Service, 2110 University Boulevard, Ames, IA 50011-3120, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Stuart J. Birrell

    (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, 2323 Elings Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

One of the most frequent producer-asked questions to those persons striving to secure sustainable corn ( Zea mays L.) stover feedstock supplies for Iowa’s new bioenergy conversion or other bio-product facilities is “what quantity of nutrients will be removed if I harvest my stover?” Our objective is to summarize six years of field research from central Iowa, U.S.A. where more than 600, 1.5 m 2 samples were collected by hand and divided into four plant fractions: vegetative material from the ear shank upward (top), vegetative material from approximately 10 cm above the soil surface to just below the ear (bottom), cobs, and grain. Another 400 stover samples, representing the vegetative material collected directly from a single-pass combine harvesting system or from stover bales were also collected and analyzed. All samples were dried, ground, and analyzed to determine C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Al, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations. Mean concentration and dry matter estimates for each sample were used to calculate nutrient removal and estimate fertilizer replacement costs which averaged $25.06, $20.04, $16.62, $19.40, and $27.41 Mg −1 for top, bottom, cob, stover, and grain fractions, respectively. We then used the plant fraction estimates to compare various stover harvest scenarios and provide an answer to the producer question posed above.

Suggested Citation

  • Douglas L. Karlen & John L. Kovar & Stuart J. Birrell, 2015. "Corn Stover Nutrient Removal Estimates for Central Iowa, USA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(7), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:7:y:2015:i:7:p:8621-8634:d:51995
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Jeffrey M. Novak & James R. Frederick & Don W. Watts & Thomas F. Ducey & Douglas L. Karlen, 2021. "Corn Stover Removal Responses on Soil Test P and K Levels in Coastal Plain Ultisols," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Guang Han & Robert A. Martin, 2018. "Teaching and Learning about Biomass Energy: The Significance of Biomass Education in Schools," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, March.
    3. Rosburg, Alicia & Miranowski, John & McFadden, Jonathan, 2016. "Mitigating Feedstock Supply Risk in Corn Stover Biofuel Production," 2016 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Boston, Massachusetts 235875, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    4. Fernando Shintate Galindo & Jeffrey S. Strock & Paulo Humberto Pagliari, 2021. "Nutrient Accumulation Affected by Corn Stover Management Associated with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-19, November.
    5. Luis Armando Becerra-Pérez & Luis Rincón & John A. Posada-Duque, 2022. "Logistics and Costs of Agricultural Residues for Cellulosic Ethanol Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-18, June.

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