Exploration of suitable utilization paths for different parts of corn straw based on principal component analysis

As a widely produced renewable, low-cost biomass resource, corn straw’s physicochemical properties and utilization potential have been extensively studied in order to utilize it with high value and efficiency. However, the impact of the differences in physicochemical properties between different parts of corn straw on its utilization potential has been ignored before. In this study, the composition, chemical properties, and morphology of different parts of corn straw (root, stem, leaf, bract, and corncob) were characterized, and 18 key components were used as evaluation indexes to construct a comprehensive evaluation index system for straw combustion utilization, anaerobic digestion utilization, feed utilization, and fertilizer utilization. Furthermore, the weight of each index was determined using principal component analysis, and the comprehensive evaluation scores of different parts of corn straw were calculated. The results showed that the roots were more suitable for anaerobic digestion and fertilizer utilization, the stems and corncobs were more suitable for combustion utilization, the bracts were more suitable for anaerobic digestion, and the leaves were more suitable for fertilizer utilization and feed utilization. Finally, the feasibility and future development direction of segmented utilization of corn straw were discussed, providing useful information for scientific and efficient utilization of straw resources.