Corn Stover Harvest for Energy Production

ABSTRACT CORN stover was recovered and stored by big roll baler and by large stackwagon systems. Time studies were made of the various operations to determine capaci-ties and losses. About 30 percent of the original dry matter was pack-aged and 25 percent remained after outdoor storage for six months. Cost per dry tonne equations were developed with har-vestable yield and transport distance as variables. Total estimated cost, field to plant, for a 16-km one-way haul varied from $20/t for 3.4 t/ha to $35/t for 1.1 t/ha yield. At an 80-km haul, costs were $28 to $42/t for bales and $39 to $55/t for stacks because of less than half the dry weight per load.