Iowa State scientists have teamed with a company planning to build a biomass ethanol plant to research how to keep the material in the best condition before it is processed. "The research we're conducting is focused on understanding how the quality of biomass is influenced by harvesting and storage systems. Enhancing the quality of biomass is influenced by harvesting and storage systems. Enhancing the quality of feedstock improves the conversion economics and final product quality," says Matt Darr, assistant professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering.