THE US Government's space agency is developing a computer program that accurately assesses crop production for biofuels in the US mid-west.
National Aeronautical and Space Administration researchers are using satellite data and computer models to work out how much cropland is grown for ethanol production.
As part of the project, the NASA research team hopes to detail how much set-aside land is brought back into production for biofuels and accurately determine the area grown to different types of crops.
NASA research scientist Christopher Potter said the computer programs would also try to simulate the effects of removing corn stover on soil carbon levels.
Corn stover is the waste plant material normally left in fields after grain is harvested from cobs.
According to Ethanol Producer Magazine, the first stage of the NASA research is expected to be completed late next year.
