rs growing corn to produce biofuel have been urged against using too much fertiliser, because it may not produce much higher yields.
Researchers at Rice University found that using maximum levels of nitrogen fertiliser results in only marginally more usable cellulose from crop leaves and stems.
The findings, which are published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, could prove crucial to farmers keen to reduce their expenditure and protect the environment.
Researchers indicated that surplus nitrogen fertiliser speeds up the biochemical production of the molecule lignin, which must be removed prior to processing.
Commenting on the results of the study, Rice assistant professor Carrie Masiello explained: "We've already know too much fertilizer is bad for the environment. Now we've shown that it's bad for biofuel crop quality too.
"There's really only a small amount of fertilizer needed if you're cropping strictly for cellulose."
The findings come after researchers at Michigan State University indicated that planting diverse biofuel crops adds value in terms of attracting a greater variety of insects.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the biofuel industry includes; Conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors
