Corn Residue Research Articles

Nutritional, functional, and ethno‐medical properties of sweet corn cob: a concurrent review

SummaryThe corn cob is still a significant component of the corn residue. It is estimated that maize cob accounts for 40–50 percent of total corn production. Corn cob is considered an agriculture waste (by‐product of sweet corn). This by‐product causes environmental pollution, which produces health problems. Its phytochemicals and prebiotic potential provide large benefits for humans when it is consumed. Therefore, corn cob has functional properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, anticancer and reduces the blood glucose level. Corn cob may be used as opportunistic raw material in food products and other possible applications. Current review explained the nutritional composition of corn cob and its possible health benefits. In conclusion, corn cobs have the potential for the development of value‐added products, which are gluten free and also contribute to flourish business of food development and nutraceutical manufacturing industries.

Carrot genotypes differentially alter soil bacterial communities and decomposition of plant residue in soil

PurposeFarmers need alternative approaches to manage nitrogen (N) that meet crop needs while reducing loss to the environment. Identifying crop genotypes that promote decomposition of organic materials and understanding the potential mechanisms responsible could help address this challenge. Consequently, we aimed to 1) determine whether carrot genotypes differ in their potential to facilitate organic matter decomposition in soil, and 2) identify bacterial taxa that are stimulated by carrot roots, and thus could play a role in these processes.MethodsWe grew five genotypes expected to differ in N use efficiency in a nutrient-poor soil amended with 15 N-enriched corn residue, tracked changes in carbon (C) and N pools, quantified microbial activity and bacterial community composition, and predicted the potential expression of microbial genes involved in soil C and N cycles.ResultsExperimental genotype 8503 had the greatest capacity to promote decomposition of corn residues. This genotype had the highest % of N from the corn residue in its taproots and on average, promoted higher b-glucosidase activity in soils. Distinct bacterial communities from the families Micromonosporaceae, Chromatiaceae, and Rhodospirillaceae were also enriched in the soils of genotypes like 8503 that were most effective in obtaining N from the corn residue, and this was correlated with greater potential expression of genes responsible for β-glucosidase and nitrification activity.ConclusionsCarrot genotypes do differ in their potential to alter soil bacterial communities and stimulate microbially-mediated decomposition of organic materials indicating that it may be possible to begin selecting for this important trait.

Impact of Post-Harvest Management Practices in Corn (Zea mays L.) Fields on Arthropods in Subsequent Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) Plantings.

There is increased adoption of cover cropping and conservation tillage in the USA. Many farmers view these practices as methods for improving their soils. However, different cover cropping and tillage practices conducted post-harvest can have a disparate impact on arthropods within the subsequent cash crop. Field experiments were conducted during 2017 and 2018 at two experimental sites to examine the influences of different post-harvest practices following corn (Zea mays L.) harvest on pests and beneficials in subsequent soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plantings. Experimental treatments included: (1) tillage via chisel plow (CP), (2) no-tillage in which corn residue/stubble remained on the soil surface (CS), and (3) planting a cover crop into corn residue (CC) following corn harvest. Overall, insect herbivore abundance was greater in the CP treatment. Foliar predator numbers were similar among treatments or of greater abundance in CP. The activity density of epigeal insect predators varied according to site and feeding guild. However, spider activity density was greatest in CP. Stink bug egg mortality due to predation and parasitism varied among treatments. However, the percentage of stink bug eggs that hatched was greatest in the CC during both years. Findings suggest that post-harvest practices investigated during this study will have a similar influence on most epigeal and foliar arthropods in soybean.

Evaluation of growth performance, carcass characteristics, and methane and CO2 emissions of growing and finishing cattle raised in extensive or partial-intensive cow-calf production systems.

An experiment was conducted over 2 yr to measure performance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of weaned calves from two cow-calf production systems. Crossbred steers and heifers (n = 270, initial body weight (BW) = 207 kg, SD = 35) were used in a randomized complete block design, with treatments applied to the cow-calf system. Treatments were: 1) a traditional system consisting of April to June calving with smooth bromegrass pasture and grazed corn residue as forage resources (TRAD); 2) an alternative system consisting of July to September calving utilizing partial-drylot feeding, summer-planted oats, and corn residue grazing (ALT). Calves from both production systems were weaned at the same age and grown (diet NEg = 1.05 Mcal kg-1) for approximately 117 d. The calves then transitioned to a high-grain finishing diet (year 1: NEg = 1.32 Mcal kg-1; year 2: NEg = 1.39 Mcal kg-1) and fed to a targeted 1.52 cm backfat. Growth performance in the grower phase resulted in greater (P < 0.01) average daily gain (1.39 vs. 1.22 ± 0.02 kg), greater gain:feed (P < 0.01; 0.157 vs. 0.137 ± 0.003) for ALT calves compared to TRAD calves, However, a lower initial BW (P < 0.01; 185 vs. 229 ± 4.9 kg) resulted in a lower ending BW (P < 0.01; 347 vs. 371 ± 2.9 kg) for ALT calves compared to TRAD calves in spite of improved growth performance. In the finisher phase, ALT calves gained less (1.52 vs. 1.81 ± 0.218 kg; P = 0.02), were less efficient (0.139 vs. 173 ± 0.0151; P = 0.01) but exhibited similar hot carcass weights (HCW) (388 vs. 381 ± 3.8 kg; P = 0.14) compared to TRAD calves. Each pen of calves was put into a large pen-scale chamber that continuously measured carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) for 5 d during the grower and finisher phases. The average CH4 and CO2 production per unit of feed intake was used to calculate total GHG emissions over the entire grower and finisher phase. Overall, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.17) between treatments for CH4 per day and per kilogram dry matter intake (DMI). However, ALT calves tended to produce less (P ≤ 0.10) CO2 per day and per kilogram DMI than TRAD calves. Overall, methane emissions were greater in ALT calves (110.7 vs. 92.2 ± 8.3 g CH4 kg-1 HCW; P = 0.04) than TRAD calves. The ALT calves required 27 additional days on feed to market, which resulted in more total CH4 per animal across the entire feeding period (P = 0.02) than TRAD calves. Production systems that reduce days to market to achieve similar HCW may reduce GHG emissions.

Different Crop Rotations and Residue Levels as They Affect Corn Grain, Residue Production, and Nutrient Concentration

The consumption of corn-based foods is a good alternative for human health due to their high content of proteins, essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 family. The present study evaluated the effect of two medium-term canola (Brassica napus L.)-corn (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)-corn rotations with four residue incorporation rates (0%, 50%, 100% and 200% of the preceding crop) on corn grain yield, residue production, nutrient concentration and extraction after two rotation cycles in a volcanic soil of south-central Chile. Results indicated that grain yield ranged from 17.04 to 17.40 Mg ha -1 , and residue production ranged from 16.41 to 16.50 Mg ha -1 , being unaffected by the preceding crop. Residue incorporation rates had no effect on grain yield and residue production. The preceding crop affected the concentration and extraction of some nutrients in grain and residue. Residue rate affected the concentration and extraction of some nutrients in grain only. Ca distribution in corn grain was negatively affected by the preceding bean crop and increased residue incorporation rate. Nutrient concentration in grain ranged from 1.33 to 1.36% for N, 0.33% for P, 0.53 to 0.54% for K, 0.008 to 0.011% for Ca, 0.14% for Mg, and 0.087 to 0.092% for S. The ranking of total macronutrient extraction in the corn crop was K &gt; N &gt; Ca &gt; P &gt; Mg &gt; S. The extraction means ranged from 320.0 to 325.8, 56.0 to 57.1, 364.7 to 373.7, 86.5 to 99.3, 39.4 to 42.4, and 22.6 to 23. 7 kg ha -1 , while grain nutrient partitioning coefficients ranged from 64.5 to 66.8, 90.1 to 90.9, 23.1 to 23.7, 1.3 to 2.0, 50.8 to 57.5, and 60.3 to 60.6 for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S, respectively. The use of bean as a previous crop allowed an increase in grain protein content (8.56 vs. 8.30%) with respect to the canola crop.

The Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature and the Source Biomass on the Properties of Biochar Produced for the Agronomical Applications as the Soil Conditioner.

Biochar is a versatile carbon-rich organic material originating from pyrolyzed biomass residues that possess the potential to stabilize organic carbon in the soil, improve soil fertility and water retention, and enhance plant growth. For the utilization of biochar as a soil conditioner, the mutual interconnection of the physicochemical properties of biochar with the production conditions used during the pyrolysis (temperature, heating rate, residence time) and the role of the origin of used biomass seem to be crucial. The aim of the research was focused on a comparison of the properties of biochar samples (originated from oat brans, mixed woodcut, corn residues and commercial compost) produced at different temperatures (400-700 °C) and different residence times (10 and 60 min). The results indicated similar structural features of produced biochar samples; nevertheless, the original biomass showed differences in physicochemical properties. The morphological and structural analysis showed well-developed aromatic porous structures for biochar samples originated from oat brans, mixed woodcut and corn residues. The higher pyrolysis temperature resulted in lower yields; however, it provided products with higher content of organic carbon and a more developed surface area. The lignocellulose biomass with higher contents of lignin is an attractive feedstock material for the production of biochar with potential agricultural applications.

Effects of nutrition on productivity of March-calving beef cows and progeny when grazing corn residue or fed hay prepartum, and grazing subirrigated meadow or fed hay postpartum

This study evaluated the effects of grazing corn residue prepartum and subirrigated meadow postpar- tum versus harvested meadow hay during both periods on cow pregnancy rates and calf feedlot performance. Crossbred March-calving cows (yr 1, n = 72; yr 2, n = 65; yr 3, n = 64) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial as part of a 3-yr study. From De- cember 1 to February 28 (prepartum), cows grazed corn residue (CPRE) or were fed 7.7% CP and 56.8% TDN hay (HPRE) ad libitum. From parturition to July 20, half were fed ad libitum hay (HPOST) and half grazed subirrigated meadow (MPOST). No interactions were present between pre- and postpartum treatments. Cows on HPRE had greater precalving and prebreeding BW and BCS (P < 0.01), whereas CPRE cows tended to have an earlier calving date (P = 0.07) and a greater percentage calving in the first 21 d (P = 0.07). Cows on MPOST had greater BW and BCS at prebreeding (P < 0.01) and weaning (P < 0.01) than HPOST cows. These differences were maintained until the following year pretreatment leading to greater overall BW and BCS (P < 0.02) in MPOST cows. Pregnancy rates were similar regardless of treatment (P > 0.50). Calves born to MPOST cows had greater BW at birth (P = 0.05), prebreeding (P < 0.01), and weaning (P < 0.01) and had greater ADG from birth to prebreeding (P = 0.01) and birth to weaning (P < 0.01) than HPOST calves. Steers from HPRE cows had a greater marbling score than CPRE steers (P = 0.02). Grazing corn residue or feeding hay prepartum and feeding hay or graz- ing subirrigated meadow postpartum affected BW and BCS during the pre- and postpartum periods of cows and calves. However, limited effects were detected on dam re- production.

INTEGRATION OF THE GRINDING FUNCTION WITH A CEREAL THRESHER FOR THE RECOVERY OF CROP RESIDUES IN COMPOSTING

The objective of this article is to design and characterize the technical performance of the agricultural residue grinding function integrated into the operation of a multi-purpose cereal thresher. For the farmer, this equipment will have the advantage to realize out threshing, grinding, and water pumping. Water pumping will allowwatering the agricultural residues after their grinding.The Functional Analysis (FA) was used to identify new useful functions and technical solutions for the grinding function to be integrated into the design. The multifunctional thresher-grinder has been designed and manufactured. Grinding performance tests compared to manual machete cutting of corn and rice residues were performed. The results show that production times per tonne of the broyats are higher than those of manual machete cutting more than 61%. The size of the broyats is reduced from 17 to 72%, and the diameter from 71 to 80% compared to manual machete cutting. These results will be used as benchmarks for testing other types of residues.

Agro-Industrial Waste as Potential Heavy Metal Adsorbents and Subsequent Safe Disposal of Spent Adsorbents

Water pollution is an environmental problem that affects the ecosystem and living beings. Adsorption is one of the best technologies for the removal of heavy metals. Since waste recovery is the basis of the Circular Economy, agro-industrial waste is emerging as low-cost adsorbents for these pollutants from wastewater. Residues of pine sawdust, sunflower seed hulls and corn residues mix were evaluated as adsorbents of synthetic aqueous solutions of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II). These residues were characterized to determine their structure and composition, and to understand the adsorption mechanism. Adsorption efficiencies and capacities for the adsorbents and adsorbates were determined and compared. From the obtained results, it is possible to affirm that all biomasses used are good alternatives to the synthetic materials, with adsorption efficiencies greater than 50%. The order of adsorption was Cd &gt; Zn &gt; Ni. At the concentration range checked, adsorption efficiencies decreased in sawdust when a mixture of all metals together was considered (as present in real sewage). Finally, the heavy metals were immobilized, with efficiencies over 88.5%, in clay ceramics (as brick’s precursors). This procedure would help to minimize the contamination that could be generated by the disposal of spent adsorbents, rarely explored in the literature.

Sustainable Options for Reducing Open Burning of Corn Residues: Case Study of Mae Chaem District, Thailand

Sustainable Options for Reducing Open Burning of Corn Residues: Case Study of Mae Chaem District, Thailand

Application of plant protection biological product via pulsed intra-soil discrete methodology

Hardly decomposable aboveground and underground plant residues are a substrate for the Fusarium graminearum, F. moniliforme and other dangerous infections of subsequent crops in the crop rotation. For the period 2014-2020, an infection of grain with F. moniliforme increased in the Kursk region by 2.3 times; in Volgograd region by 3.7 times; in Rostov region by 8.7 times; and in the Stavropol Territory by 5.4 times. After treatment of plant residues of corn with biological preparation-sanator, a rhizoctonia disappeared from the winter wheat agrophytocenosis, and an occurrence of the F. moniliforme decreased by 2.5 times; a frequency of occurrence of pathogenic fungi F. moniliforme and F. avenaceum on the aerial parts of a plant was 20%, and on the plant residues 10% or less. A microbial colonization of the underground residues of sunflower and corn plants by F. moniliforme after harvesting was up to 30% for three years. Intra-soil pulse continuous-discrete robotic system for application of a biological plant protection product has been developed to increase an impact of biological plant protection product on phytopathogen into the plant residue and topsoil. The method provides priority plant protection from harmful biological objects, improving soil health, increasing plant productivity and product quality.

Determination of kinetic parameters of the anaerobic biotransformation process of corn cob (Zea Mays L.) with Lactobacillus acidophilus

The cob is the residue generated from the separation of the grain from the cob, and due to its components, it is considered a lignocellulosic material, so its use is limited, which favors the burning of the cob and its spreading, thus generating a problem of environmental pollution. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when supplied in adequate amounts, provide a beneficial effect to the host, reducing the carbohydrate content in lignocellulosic materials through fermentation, obtaining a product rich in nutrients. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the kinetic parameters of biotransformation of corn residues through the fermentative action of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. Anaerobic fermentation kinetics were performed using the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus at different concentrations (10 and 15% v/v) to obtain kinetic parameters of microbial growth and substrate consumption for the biotransformation of white corn (Zea MaysL.) residues. The kinetic parameters indicate that when using 15% inoculum, the bacteria adapt to a greater extent to the substrate since the Ks value was 0.5693 g/L and the adaptation time was 18.25 h, thus allowing the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus and therefore the process of biotransformation of corn residues. While for the consumption of substrate, it was identified that the use of 10% inoculum was better since it presented a value of k of 0.2534 that is higher than the value obtained when 15% is used because the rate of substrate consumption is faster. Therefore, the dose of 15% inoculum seems to be the most suitable for the adaptation of the bacteria in the shortest time and therefore the biotransformation process is carried out.

A new l-cysteine-assisted glycerol organosolv pretreatment for improved enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover

Deconstruction of lignocellulose via efficient pretreatment is crucial for producing fermentable sugars. In this study, effects of glycerol organosolv pretreatment (GOP) on main chemical composition of corn stover were investigated. Results indicate that the residual corn stover after 80 wt% glycerol pretreatment (at 220 °C for 0.5 h) yielded 75.97 % glucose and 78.21 % xylose after enzymatic hydrolysis, which were enhanced by 3.39- and 6.08-fold compared to the untreated corn stover. Subsequently, an l-cysteine-assisted GOP was proposed with higher yields of glucose (86.20 %) and xylose (91.13 %). When pretreating corn stover with 80 wt% glycerol containing 0.07 wt% l-cysteine at 220 °C for 0.5 h, higher fermentable sugars of 26.08 g were produced from 100 g feedstock after enzymolysis. Intrinsic mechanisms of the proposed pretreatment for enhancing enzymatic digestibility were elucidated by physiochemical characterization technologies and techno-economic analysis was also studied. This study provides guidance for fermentable sugars production from renewable lignocellulose.

Wind erosion potential from stover harvest in the Central Plains: Measurements and simulations

Removal of crop residues for biofuel production can potentially increase the erodibility of a soil by not only exposing the soil surface to winds but also affecting changes in soil aggregation and roughness. Field studies at both Colby and Ottawa, Kansas were conducted to determine the effects of long-term residue removal on soil wind erodibility. Corn residue was removed from plots at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% levels beginning in 2009. Soil aggregate status and random roughness were measured in both the spring and fall from 2017 through 2020. As removal levels increased, the soils studied tended to have smaller aggregates and less rough surfaces, both of which increase soil erodibility. For many spring measurements, significant differences were found between the 0% removal levels and the 100% removal levels for soil erodible fraction (EF) and geometric mean diameter (GMD). We also used measured soil properties, weather, and yields as inputs into the WEPS and SWEEP models to simulate potential wind erosion at the study sites. Simulation results indicate that wind erosion can occur whenever soil cover falls below 50% with removal levels of 25% showing wind erosion loss in one case. Results of this study provide general guidance for regional and private sector land managers regarding levels of corn biomass that can be sustainably harvested and still control soil wind erosion.

Corn Cob as a Green Support for Laccase Immobilization-Application on Decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R.

The high demand for food and energy imposed by the increased life expectancy of the population has driven agricultural activity, which is reflected in the larger quantities of agro-industrial waste generated, and requires new forms of use. Brazil has the greatest biodiversity in the world, where corn is one of the main agricultural genres, and where over 40% of the waste generated is from cobs without an efficient destination. With the aim of the valorization of these residues, we proposed to study the immobilization of laccase from Aspergillus spp. (LAsp) in residual corn cob and its application in the degradation of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye. The highest yields in immobilized protein (75%) and residual activity (40%) were obtained at pH 7.0 and an enzyme concentration of 0.1 g.mL−1, whose expressed enzyme activity was 1854 U.kg−1. At a temperature of 60 °C, more than 90% of the initial activity present in the immobilized biocatalyst was maintained. The immobilized enzyme showed higher efficiency in the degradation (64%) of RBBR dye in 48 h, with improvement in the process in 72 h (75%). The new biocatalyst showed operational efficiency during three cycles, and a higher degradation rate than the free enzyme, making it a competitive biocatalyst and amenable to industrial applications.

Production cow-calf responses from perennial forage-based and integrated beef-cropping systems.

An experiment was conducted to measure production responses of an alternative cow-calf production system integrated into a cropping system without access to perennial forage compared to a traditional cow-calf system utilizing perennial forage. Multiparous, cross-bred beef cows (n = 160; average age = 6.2 ± 2.8 yr) were utilized in a randomized complete block experimental design and unstructured treatment design. Upon initiation, cows were blocked by age and stratified by source, assigned randomly to one of two production systems, each with four replicates (n = 20 cows/replicate). Once allotted to their treatment groups, cows remained in their experimental units for the duration of the experiment. Treatments were: 1) a traditional system consisting of April to May calving with smooth bromegrass pasture and grazed corn residue as forage resources (TRAD); 2) an alternative system consisting of July to August calving utilizing partial-drylot feeding, summer-planted oats, and corn residue grazing (ALT). There were no differences (P ≥ 0.27) in calving rates (91.8 vs. 86.7 ± 2.92%), pregnancy rates (89.3 vs. 89.9 ± 2.66%), and weaning rates (87.2 vs. 82.3 ± 3.29%) for TRAD vs. ALT, respectively. However, there was an increase (P = 0.04) in the rate of twin offspring in ALT (2.9 vs. 9.4 ± 2.36% for TRAD vs. ALT, respectively). One calf from the set of twins was selected randomly at birth to be removed from the experiment, so the production data are only from single calves. There was no difference (P = 0.47) in calf body weight at birth (40 vs. 39 ± 0.7 kg for TRAD vs. ALT, respectively). At weaning, calves in the ALT system were lighter (P < 0.01) at the same day of age (184 vs. 229 ± 5.5 kg) compared to TRAD calves. Cows from the ALT system had fewer (P < 0.01) kg weaned per cow exposed to bull (150 vs. 199 ± 7.2 kg) compared to TRAD cows. Apart from the twinning rate, no differences in reproductive performance were observed among systems. However, reduced weaning weights and kilogram of weaned calf per cow exposed may negatively impact revenue to the cow-calf enterprise of the ALT system.

Corn and Wheat Residue Management Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Mid-Atlantic USA

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from crop residue management have been studied extensively, yet the effects of harvesting more than one crop residue in a rotation have not been reported. Here, we measured the short-term changes in methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in response to residue removal from continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CC) and corn–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) (CWS) rotations in the Mid-Atlantic USA. A first experiment retained five corn stover rates (0, 3.33, 6.66, 10, and 20 Mg ha−1) in a continuous corn (CC) in Blacksburg, VA, in 2016 and 2017. Two other experiments, initiated during the wheat and corn phases of the CWS rotation in New Kent, VA, utilized a factorial combination of retained corn (0, 3.33, 6.66, and 10.0 Mg ha−1) and wheat residue (0, 1, 2, and 3 Mg ha−1). Soybean residue was not varied. Different crop retention rates did not affect CO2 fluxes in any of the field studies. In Blacksburg, retaining 5 Mg ha−1 stover or more increased CH4 and N2O emissions by ~25%. Maximum CH4 and N2O fluxes (4.16 and 5.94 mg m−2 day−1) occurred with 200% (20 Mg ha−1) retention. Two cycles of stover management in Blacksburg, and one cycle of corn or wheat residue management in New Kent did not affect GHG fluxes. This study is the first to investigate the effects of crop residue on GHG emissions in a multi-crop system in humid temperate zones. Longer-term studies are warranted to understand crop residue management effects on GHG emissions in these systems.

Effects of Kraft Lignin and Corn Residue on the Production of Eucalyptus Pellets

Effects of Kraft Lignin and Corn Residue on the Production of Eucalyptus Pellets

Reusing the acetone-butanol-ethanol separated broth as the lignocellulose pretreatment liquor for fresh corn stalk biorefinery

In this study, fresh corn stalk was used as the feedstock for the production of bio-butanol via acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation, in which process the wastewater from the first stage sugar containing juice fermentation was recycled by ex situ pervaporation and reused as the pulping liquor of the residual corn stalk bagasse (CSB), affording to effective ABE production in the subsequential second stage fermentation process. Results indicated that the juice fermentation wastewater could effectively depolymerize the CSB. Under optimized conditions of the pulping process (180 °C and 10% (w/v) of biomass loading), 32.45 ± 0.85 g/L of total monomer sugars was obtained in CSB enzymatic hydrolysate, which can be directly used as the substrate for the second-stage cellulosic ABE production. Semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (S-SSF) was carried out using the CSB pulps, so that improving the cellulosic ABE production. 10.94 ± 0.65 g/L of ABE concentration with 0.18 ± 0.01 g/L h of productivity were realized. After hybrid the first-stage juice fermentation and the second-stage CSB biotransformation, total 54.07 ± 1.25 g (ABE) can be produced from 1 kg of fresh corn stalk. The alternative process showed great significance in reduction of the wastewater discharge and ensuring high pulping performances.

211 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Two Beef Systems from Birth to Slaughter in Eastern Nebraska

Abstract Greenhouse gas emissions from a conventional (CONV) pasture-based cattle production system with cows wintered on corn residue and summer grazing of brome pasture was compared with partial-confinement system (ALT) with cows and calves in a drylot during the summer and grazed cover crops and corn residue over the fall and winter. Four groups of 20 cows were in each system. Eddy covariance methods were used to measure emissions from grazed areas (corn residue and pasture) and pen chambers were used to measure emissions from feedlot pens (cows and calves). Cattle from the CONV system produced more CH4 and CO2 but produced more beef per cow exposed (321 and 303 kg HCW for CONV and ALT, respectively). Measured CH4 and modeled N2O emissions totaled 7.5 ± 0.3 and 7.4 ± 0.3 kg CO2e kg-1 HCW for CONV and ALT production, respectively. There was a measured uptake of 233 g C m-2 and 98 g C m-2 from brome pasture and cover crop, respectively. Accounting for CH4 and N2O emissions using global warming potential (GWP) of 23 and 298 resulted in a net sink of 0.7 ± 0.2 kg CO2e kg-1 HCW for CONV and source of 16.7 ± 1.5 kg CO2e kg-1 HCW for ALT. The same calculation using global warming potential (GWP) of 4 and 234 resulted in a net sink of 10.9 ± 1.0 kg CO2e kg-1 HCW for CONV and source of 7.1 ± 1.5 kg CO2e kg-1 HCW for ALT. Carbon sequestration from perennial grasslands in the CONV was enough to offset all emissions and biogenic CO2 and the annual forage grazed in the ALT system offset 33 to 72% of systems emissions depending on GWP metric used.