Anaerobic Storage Characteristics of Whole-Ear Corn and Stover

Whole-plant corn has been previously investigated as a biomass feedstock. Current approaches are analogous to harvesting whole-plant for livestock feed or biogas production. They include utilizing self-propelled forage harvester harvest the plant bulk material and storing it anaerobically. This process leads grain damage, reducing marketability of after fractionation. work that included anaerobically whole-ear with stover an alternative. Over two seasons, dry matter losses, moisture content changes, damage were assessed anaerobic storage. Less than 3% was observed across all treatments. Stover decreased by 7% wet basis. Depending on year (p < 0.001), increased 7 10 percentage points basis = 0.012). Cob about four regardless 0.49). Dry losses overall treatment less both but high variability when reviewing in ear fractions. Based this work, whole storage should be considered where subsequent fractionation fraction concern.