 The study assessed the profitability of five novel cropping systems for second-generation biofuels in central Iowa, USA, finding that continuous corn was the most profitable under current market conditions, while a critical hybrid aspen intercropping system had the highest long-term yields but could only surpass the profitability of continuous corn when biomass prices exceeded foreseeable market values. The study suggests three ways 2G crops could become more cost-competitive with grain crops, through increased research and development, new markets, and environmental compensation schemes for farmers. This article was authored by Robert K. Manet, Oran Hallam, Lisa A. Short, and others.