The inhibitive effect of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) (including NH<SUB>3</SUB> and NH<SUB>4</SUB><SUP>+</SUP>) on solid-state anaerobic digestion of corn stover was investigated in batch reactors at 37<SUP>o</SUP>C. The highest methane yield of 107.0L/kg VS<SUB>feed</SUB> was obtained at a TAN concentration of 2.5g/kg (based on total weight). TAN concentrations greater than 2.5g/kg resulted in decreased methane yields, with a 50% reduction observed at a concentration of 6.0g/kg. Reduced reaction rates and microbial activities for hydrolysis of cellulose and methanogenesis from acetate were observed at TAN concentrations higher than 4.3g/kg. Strong ammonia stress was indicated at butyrate concentrations higher than 300mg/kg. Result showed that the effluent of liquid anaerobic digestion can provide enough nitrogen for solid-state anaerobic digestion of corn stover.