Cropping systems 'could impact biofuel composition'

New research from Iowa State University indicates the impact double cropping could have on biofuel composition - in particular on the yield of ethanol from sorghum grass.

Scientists led by Ben Goff wanted to discover whether double cropping could help to increase yields, allowing sorghum grass to play a greater role in biofuel composition in the future.

Certain genotypes showed signs of success, achieving a total yield of biomass during double cropping equal to that obtained from single cropping.

However, ethanol output was higher in all single-cropping cases, the researchers found.

The lead author indicates that this greater efficiency of ethanol production makes sole cropping the favourable option in terms of yield.

But there are other environmental benefits - such as the potential for reduced erosion - that make double cropping a preferable alternative.

The findings are published in Agronomy Journal, distributed by the American Society of Agronomy and which covers topics relating to soil science, production agriculture and the growth of crops.