Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 182-192 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 189 9.2 Cultivar and practices used Farmers in Germany mainly choose hybrid corn varieties that are optimized for methane production. These varieties are different from traditional feed corn, which are specially bred for fermentation and gas production. In terms of management methods, Germany generally adopts high-density planting, scientific use of nitrogen fertilizers, and good harvesting time. Their goal is to produce more biomass and methane per acre. Studies have shown that harvesting time is particularly important. The best yield and gas output can be obtained by deciding when to harvest based on the maturity of the corn (Herrmann and Rath, 2012). 9.3 Yield outcomes German corn performs very well in methane production. Both the methane produced per hectare (MHY) and the methane produced per ton of biomass (SMY) are higher than those of ordinary feed corn. By breeding better varieties and planting more densely, German farmers have significantly increased the amount of methane produced per unit area. Studies have found that different varieties and different planting methods will affect methane production, but overall, with the right varieties and methods, energy corn can produce much better gas than traditional varieties (Herrmann and Rath, 2012). 9.4 Lessons learned Germany’s experience tells us that if we want to grow energy corn well, we need to pay attention to the following points: Breeding should be aimed at “methane production” rather than just considering feed use (Herrmann and Rath, 2012); planting more densely and using nitrogen fertilizer in a scientific way can significantly increase yields (Herrmann and Rath, 2012; Shao et al., 2024); the harvest time should be well controlled, and corn that is too tender or too old will affect gas production, and the harvest time should be determined according to maturity (Herrmann and Rath, 2012); we should also pay attention to the chemical composition of the corn itself, such as lignin and sugar, which will affect how much gas can be produced in the end. Therefore, variety selection and management methods should be considered together (Herrmann and Rath, 2012). 10 Future Perspectives and Conclusions To increase the biomass yield of energy corn, it is necessary to combine genetic breeding, environmental adaptation and planting management. Corn has achieved continuous improvement in biomass and grain yield through breeding. Today's hybrid varieties are better at distributing dry matter reasonably, and the yield will naturally increase. But the yield depends not only on the variety, but also on environmental factors. For example, soil pollution, the amount of light, and the amount of rain will affect the performance of corn. It is also critical to use good planting methods, such as drip irrigation and fertilization, denser planting, more scientific nitrogen application, and reasonable arrangement of row spacing, which can make corn grow more biomass and produce more energy. The next research should pay more attention to the synergistic effect of genes × environment × management, select new corn varieties suitable for different regions, and match them with field management methods. Only in this way can we truly achieve high yield and high efficiency. Energy corn is an important renewable energy raw material and is very useful in responding to climate change. There should also be more policy support for its planting. Farmers can be encouraged to use less good land, such as polluted land or marginal land, to grow this kind of corn, which can not only produce energy but also improve the land ecology. At the same time, the government can improve some incentive mechanisms, such as subsidies and carbon trading, to help the biomass energy industry chain develop more healthily. However, there are still many gaps in research. We are not clear enough about how the genes that form corn biomass regulate each other. It is necessary to study in depth which genes are related to high yield and stress resistance. How corn adapts to difficult environments (such as dense planting, lack of nutrients, and soil pollution) and whether its performance is stable in the long term also need systematic research. Another point is that after the biomass is increased, what is the relationship between energy utilization efficiency and carbon sink? Is the impact between long-term rotation and soil health positive or negative? These are also worth further exploration.
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