Replacing carbon loss with cellulosic ethanol

by North Platte Bulletin Staff - 12/8/2008

Cellulosic ethanol derived from corn stalks and husks can reduce carbon emissions if manure is used as a fertilizer, according to a recent scientific study.

Cellulose-based ethanol has emerged as one way to lessen dependence on oil. It would add sugar to fibrous plants such as grasses and stalks to make alcohol for fuel.

Congress recently appropriated funds for research to make cellulosic ethanol financially feasible.

Corn stover is currently the most popular source of cellulose, but removing the stover from the land creates a loss of soil organic carbon, according to a Dec. 8 news report from Science Daily.

Michigan State University scientists have studied the effectiveness of carbon augmentation through cover crops, manure and compost, to replace carbon loss when corn stover is removed.

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