Utility of Dried Distillers Grain as a Fertilizer Source for Corn

Abstract

Increased ethanol production may result in excessive dried distillers grains (DDGs) that could be utilized as a fertilizer source for corn (Zea mays L.). Research was conducted to evaluate the effects of 1) DDG rates on weed suppression, changes in soil properties, and differences in grain yield and quality and 2) DDGs, polymer-coated urea (PCU), and anhydrous ammonia (AA) fertilizer sources on grain yield and quality. DDGs had a total N-P-K composition of 38.2-6.9-11.5 g kg -1 , respectively. There was no corn injury, common cocklebur or jimsonweed control with DDG rates up to 3600 kg ha -1 . Corn grain yield increased 1.41 and 1.56 kg ha -1 for every kg ha -1 of DDGs applied in medium and high yield environments, respectively. Grain yield was ranked non-treated control < DDGs < AA = PCU when fertilizers were applied at N equivalent rate of 140 kg ha -1 in medium and high yield environments.

Fertilizer Potential of Biofuel Byproducts

“…In addition to N, P and K content of biofuel byproducts is also of great value to growers. As reported by Nelson et al (2009), the N:P of the DDGS used in the study (5.5:1) was comparable to corn uptake ratios (5.9:1), suggesting that DDGS and other biofuel byproducts with similar N:P ratios could meet both the N and P needs of a crop when applied on a N basis without over-or under-applying P. In 2008, many U.S. growers were unable to afford P or K chemical fertilizers. Based on values listed in table 2, biofuel byproducts may be a viable option for these growers in the future if and when P and K fertilizer prices increase beyond what a grower can afford to pay.…”

“…Nelson et al (2009) investigated three field application rates of DDGS in comparison to a slow-release poly coated urea (PCU) and anhydrous ammonia on a corn grain crop. Using application rates of 0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 tonne DDGS ha -1 (or 0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha -1 ), Nelson et al (2009) showed a grain yield increase of 1.41 and 1.56 kg grain ha -1 for every kg ha -1 of DDGS applied in medium and high yielding environments. Balesh et al (2005) applied mustard meals as a fertilizer for tef at three application rates of 0.24, 0.38, and 0.51 tonne meal ha -1 (or 15, 23, and 31 kg N ha -1 ).…”

Spring-Interseeded Winter Rye Seeding Rates Influence Weed Control and Organic Soybean Yield

“…Soil texture was 13% sand, 62% silt, and 25% clay. Soil test values for P and K at this site [26] were in the medium to very-high range, based on Missouri soil test interpretations [27] and required no additional fertilizer inputs for these experiments. Field information and selected management practices are listed in Table 1.…”

Effect of Matrix Clean-Up for Aflatoxin Analysis in Corn and Dried Distillers Grains

“…However, if contaminated corn is used as the feedstock, aflatoxins can be retained within the DDG [11]. This causes the DDG to be unsalable if addition to feedstuffs causes the combined product to exceed FDA limits, leading to a profit loss for the ethanol distillery [12].…”