SILVER SPRING, MD - A new Kansas State University (KSU) study has revealed a number of drawbacks into cellulosic ethanol development, Discovery News reports.

Cellulosic ethanol ?" biofuel made from indelible plant parts, including agricultural waste ?" has been touted as a "next-generation" biofuel because it does not cut into the food supply like corn.

However, the KSU study, published in Agronomy Journal, argues that the U.S. should not use crop residue to produce cellulosic ethanol. According to the study, removing agricultural waste such as stalks and leaves has negative effects on soil, the environment, and future crops. And the residue actually helps keep the soil healthy and is important for crop yield.

"Only a small fraction (about 25%) of residue might be available for removal, depending on soil type and climate," wrote Humberto Blaco-Canqui, assistant professor at KSU and author of the article. "This small amount of crop residues is not economically feasible nor logistically possible."

There are several commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol production plants preparing to open in the United States.