Bioenergy Crops

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In 2007, an experiment was begun to determine optimum nitrogen fertilizer rates for producing ethanol from corn and sweet sorghum. Tests were conducted on a Tiptonville silt loam with linear move irrigation. Seven N rate treatments per crop were used with four replications. Ammonium nitrate was broadcast applied. Corn plots were harvested with a plot combine and sweet sorghum plots were harvested with a sickle mower. Field results showed that 60 lb N/acre produced optimum yields in sweet sorghum. Highest yields in corn were produced with 160 lb N/acre. Laboratory tests from corn and sorghum samples collected in each plot are being done by Missouri Corn Growers Association (Jefferson City, Missouri) and Future Fuels (Batesville, Arkansas).

lb N/acre	bu/acre
0	57
40	132
80	175
120	203
160	205
200	182
240	184

Corn grain yield

Sweet sorghum, stalk fresh weight

Sweet sorghum weights do not include leaves which averaged 12% of the total fresh wieght in plots.

Because of the level topography of the Missouri Delta region, switchgrass is often planted in strips to create wind breaks for cotton plants. In May and early June, sand storms are common in large fields with no wind protection. Blowing sand injuries young cotton plants causing stand loss and delays in maturity. Since switchgrass is highly productive in the region, we are measuring biomass yields in grower fields to evaluate its potential for cellulose ethanol production.