In addition, there is no consensus on what sort of value to give the rest of the corn (such as the stalk), commonly known as the 'coproduct.' Some studies leave it on the field to protect the soil from erosion and to add organic matter, while others take and burn the coproduct to power the ethanol plant, but do not address the resulting soil erosion (which would require energy in the form of fertilizer to replace).
In addition, there is no agreement on how to value the remaining corn (such as the stalk), commonly known as the 'coproduct.' Some research leaves it in the field to prevent soil erosion and add organic matter, while others harvest and burn the coproduct for ethanol plant energy but do not consider the resulting soil erosion that might need fertilizer replacement.