Dynamics of fermentation quality, physiochemical property and enzymatic hydrolysis of high-moisture corn stover ensiled with sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide.

A better understanding of biomass usability during storage would offer basis for management decisions in production. High-moisture corn stover was ensiled with sulfuric acid (H2SO4, 0.3% and 0.6%) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 0.5% and 1.0%) and ensiling characteristics, lignocellulosic profile and enzymatic saccharification were investigated on day 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 of ensiling. The results showed that 0.6% H2SO4 reduced dry matter loss (9.81% to 6.34%) and ammonia-N content (3.89 to 1.04 g/kg DM) during ensiling, whereas it was converse for NaOH treatment (19.89%, 5.74 g/kg DM). Hemicellulose was reduced (27.98% to 22.61%, 16.81% DM) by 0.6% H2SO4 or 1.0% NaOH. Saccharification yield was decreased (306 to 229 mg/g DM) during ensiling, which was improved (229 to 356, 277 mg/g DM) by H2SO4 and NaOH treatments. This study suggests that ensiling with addition of 0.6% H2SO4 could improve nutrient preservation and saccharification yield of high-moisture corn stover.