Maize is a well-known source of biogas, having the advantages of a high methane yield per acre and being relatively easy to store.

When choosing varieties, high dry matter and high yields are the major considerations; however yields of ME and starch should also be taken into account. Dry matter at harvest is vitally important. For efficient ensiling the maize needs to achieve a dry matter content of between 30 and 32%. Some of the ultra high yielding varieties grown on the continent for Biogas may not reach this maturity in the UK climate.