ECONOMIC AND ENERGETIC ANALYSIS OF WINTER WHEAT-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS FOR POTENTIAL BIOFUEL INDUSTRY: IMPLICATIONS OF GENERAL TRENDS TO SHARE WITH CROP PRODUCERS

Abstract

Wheat double-crop systems within the Midwestern States of USA present potential liquid biofuel and gross energy products that can yield economic gains for crop producers.  Potential energetic analysis of fifteen winter wheat double-crop systems and five single crop systems will be discussed herein. Energy yield was measured using the mean Dry Matter (DM) yield of ensiled biomass, grain crops, and agricultural residue and assumptions of productivity from recent literature. In conclusion, winter wheat based cropping systems shows the potential to provide sufficient biomass to aid in energy for biofuels systems.