Corn ethanol, like many biomass-derived fuels, is known to generate lesser greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. However, according to Professor Bruce Dale at Michigan State University, careful planning must be done to “fully realize the environmental potential of biofuels. A case in point is the release of nitrous oxide (a more potent greenhouse gas relative to carbon dioxide) from the production of ethanol from corn grain. The analysis was made based on life cycle analysis and agro system modelling, on information from corn production methods in eight states in the United States. Careful management for minimizing nitrous oxide emissions in corn ethanol production would greatly improve its greenhouse emission profile. Among the mitigating measures mentioned is the planting of winter cover crops, such as rye grass..