Switchgrass has relatively small seed averaging approximately 370,000 seeds per pound. Fields in multiyear switchgrass biomass research studies often. Renewable and ltea rnative energy fact sheet newbio energy crop profile. Switchgrass is a native, perennial, warm season grass noted for its rapid growth in the mid to late summer when high temperatures retard the growth of cool season grasses. Switchgrass seeding recommendations for the production of biomass fuel in southern iowa pm 1773 revised may 2003 the following provides information about the seed selection, storage, and planting methods used to establish switchgrass in southern iowa. Switchgrass is easily identified by a small nest of hair where the blades attach to the sheath. Additional charac teristics that make switchgrass an ideal. The possibility of compressing switchgrass into fuel pellets for thermal energy production was also examined in uk studies. Clean seed yields of 225 pounds per acre have been documented at the usda natural resources conservation service nrcs plant materials center pmc at. Switchgrass panicum virgatum is a perennial native to the tall grass prairies of the great plains. Switchgrass, panicum virgatum, is the most productive and commonly talked about native, warm season grass being considered as a feedstock for alternative fuels and sustainable fiber. Switchgrass produces large seeds on a spangledtype seed head. Better switchgrass, better biofuel june 17, 2015 kaine korzekwa using switchgrass to produce biofuel is one way to decrease the united states dependence on oil, but growing it and making it profitable can be complicated.
In the southeast, a planting rate of approximately 10 pounds pls per acre is recommended. Specific questions for switchgrass include the amount of land area that must be planted to switchgrass to meet the demands of the biorefineries, how soon switchgrass. Switchgrass bamert seed buy online direct from our farm. He recommends 10 lbs per acre when growing switchgrass as a crop. Switchgrass production steve fransen wsu prosser, h. Switchgrass is one of the dominant species of the central north american tallgrass prairie and can be found in remnant prairies, in native grass pastures, and naturalized along roadsides. On established stands can use sheep or goat grazing early in season before switchgrass begins to grow. Garland, professor, agricultural economics chair, biofuels farmer education team s witchgrass is a warmseason perennial grass native to north america. It fills in the midsummer grazing gap that commonly occurs with coolseason grasses. Seeding too early will result in the loss of some seed due to decay and herbivory, and. The next generation of biofuels could come from these five crops.
The soybean crop in the previous year allows the producer to create a clean seed bed prior to planting liberty. The suggested seeding rate is 6 to 7 pounds of pure live seed when close drilled 8 inches or less between rows or broadcasted. If soil tests indicate a new switchgrass field has high residual n levels, n rates can be significantly reduced during the initial production years using the above information as a guideline. Growing and harvesting switchgrass for ethanol production in. However, leading grass seed developers and crop protection companies are making progress, and new systems and products may be ready as early as 2010. Pdf on nov 1, 2011, j holman and others published kansas switchgrass production handbook find, read and cite all the research you need on researchgate. The stem is round, hollow, and usually has a reddish tint. Southern seed sources generally had heavier biomass production. Switchgrass growing in 40inch rows for seed production. Switchgrass switchgrass, panicum virgatum, is a warmseason bunch grass native to the tall grass prairie region that is found across much of the eastern and southern united states. If seeds are planted using the broadcast method, the area should be rolled afterward to help.
Seedhead is a large open panicle that opens with seeds borne on the tips of the branches. It grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet tall, depending on the variety. Previously yields were based on 10year average yields. Its biomass production is not maxi mized until the second or third year after seeding.
This warmseason grass is an exceptional forage for pasture and hay for livestock. High yields of biomass with relatively few inputs make switchgrass a favorable choice for bioenergy production. Switchgrass seed is harvested by directly combining the standing maturing crop or by first windrowing the crop and then combining the windrowed crop after the panicles have dried for a few days. Switchgrass is an important forage plant and potential source of biomass for biofuel production. As a conservation species, switchgrass is inexpensive to seed and relatively easy to establish compared to other prairie grasses.
During the winter, the seed experiences cold, moist soil conditions that break seed dormancy. The info i received came from the designer and buider of the truax nwsg notill seeder, jim truax. Yield response of switchgrass to nitrogen fertilizer near. The effects of seed origin parentage on plant performance was apparent. Materials and methods a pure stand of blackwell switchgrass was established in 1983.
Boydston arsprosser objectives to determine adaptability of switchgrass based upon yield monitoring, fiber quality, cultivar selection, nutrient use efficiencies, weed control and irrigation requirements. High dormancy seedlots will require higher seeding. Cavenrock switchgrass is a perennial, warm season native grass that grows an average of 35 feet tall, but in some regions, can reach up to 6 feet tall at maturity. Broadcast seed at a rate of 810 pounds of pure live seed pls per acre for a pure stand. Mow prior to weed flowering to prevent weeds from producing more seed. Growing and harvesting switchgrass for ethanol production. Switchgrass is widely adapted and found throughout the united states with the exception of the west coast. The management and use of switchgrass in georgia uga. Ten seed sourcesvarieties of switchgrass were evaluated. The plant also provides excellent cover for wildlife populations.
A large amount of dm produced by arrowleaf clover and its seed production in junejuly does not present a competitive issue for switchgrass because of its early, upright, and tall. Projected yields are based on 5year average yields 2014 to 2018 as reported through production insurance to better align with growers current yield expectations. Dormant seeding is planting switchgrass seed in late november or december. Switchgrass seed is very small and much of it will not germinate right after it is harvested. Alamo switchgrass seed switchgrass, a warm season, vigorous perennial can be found growing throughout the united states. Herbicides for establishing switchgrass in the central. Apply n at switchgrass greenup to minimize coolseason weed competition.
Management of switchgrass for forage and seed production. Guidebook for the sustainable production practices of switchgrass in the southeastern u. Establishing and managing switchgrass mark renz, dan undersander, and mike casler switchgrass panicum virgatum is a vigorous warm season, native perennial grass adapted to wisconsin and planted for many purposes including livestock grazing, wildlife cover, and as a. Estimated cost of establishment and production of liberty.
Estimated cost of establishment and production of liberty switchgrass file a129. Sustainable production and distribution of bioenergy for the central usa. Maximum biomass production occurs in late july and early august. Switchgrass is a very small, fine seed totaling more than 400,000 seeds per pound. Its biomass production is not maximized until the second or third year after seeding. Biomass production increases throughout the early growth stages. In contrast, the use of switchgrass in pastures and hayfields in georgia is limited because other introduced species e. Herbicides for establishing switchgrass in the central and. There are reasons for differant seeding rates of switch grass. Switchgrass seed requires stratification and a soil matrix for germination and. Guidebook for the sustainable production practices of switchgrass. The next generation of biofuels could come from these five. Switchgrass in south carolina panicum virgatum general use.
Switchgrass seeding recommendations for the production of. Under dryland conditions in a western kansas grazing system, switchgrass. Seedbeds should be firmed with a roller prior to the drilling or broadcasting of seed. Large, flat leaves have a triangular patch of hair near the base. Dry matter biomass yields and other information were compiled from 1982 to 1992 at six sites in north dakota, south dakota, and minnesota.
Commonly grown as a conservation crop or for forage and wildlife benefits, in recent. Guideline switchgrass establishment and annual production. Planting guide switchgrass in south carolina general use. Sow seed at a rate of approximately 46 pounds of pure live seed pls per acre drilled in a pure stand. Growing switchgrass for biofuels authors rob mitchell. Seed production fields should be planted at a row spacing of 30 to 42 inchs. When used as part of a mix, ensure that the mix consists of not less than 1. Guidebook for the sustainable production practices of. The feasibility of switchgrass for biofuel production. Switchgrass is a vigorous, native, perennial, bunchgrass that grows throughout most of the united states. The conversion of switchgrass to ethanol is a complicated process requiring a biorefinery. Pdf kansas switchgrass production handbook researchgate. Switchgrass is slow to establish, often requiring two to three growing seasons to. There are a number of studies claiming significant energy returns using switchgrass as a solid fuel in the form of switchgrass pellets or as a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol.
It is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils and growing conditions. Newly harvested switchgrass seed can have a high percent dormancy. Sustainable production and distribution of bioenergy for. Seed treatments and coatings seed treatment technology is not generally available for switchgrass. In addition to the cofiring study, uk is conducting research on the potential of switchgrass for ethanol production.
Switchgrass alamo and blackwell switchgrass seeds for. Recently, switchgrass has attracted attention as a potential bioenergy crop. Prices listed are based on pure live seed weight, not bulk weight. Switchgrass is an excellent candidate for biofuel production. Growing in large clumps sometimes as tall 5 to 8 feet switchgrass is widely adapted and is grown in research plots from the southeast u. Our objective was to evaluate timing of the forage harvest and n applications to manage switchgrass for both forage and seed from the same stand. Better switchgrass, better biofuel american society of. Switchgrass has numerous roots reaching to ten feet deep, as well as underground rhizomes making it an important grass for use in conservation programs. Mf3018 kansas switchgrass production handbook ksre bookstore.
Damon drinnon, coordinator, center for renewable carbon, university of tennessee. Using switchgrass for forage university of tennessee. Biomass production will be lower under this scenario, but, depending on the objectives and needs of the producer, this may be a useful strategy. The plant can reach heights up to 10 feet with an extensive root system.
Cavenrock is known to provide excellent nesting, brood rearing, and winter cover for pheasants and other birds due to its upright growth and stiff stems. Switchgrass has 380,000 to 400,000 seeds per pound which is more seed per acre than the other native. Switchgrass seed is smaller than most row crop seed and should. It has been touted as an even better candidate for cellulosic ethanol production than. Switchgrass seed crop may be directly combined in the field. Iaswitchgrass production economic analysis, soil suitability, varietal performance pavi2 kskansas wildflowers and grasses pavi2 midepartment of natural resources pavi2 ndswitchgrass biomass yields in the northern great plains pavi2 ndswitchgrass as a bioenergy crop pavi2 nedeveloping switchgrass into a biomass fuel crop pavi2. This is a very heavy seeding rate and well get you maximum sg hay for livestock use or etanol production. Under dryland conditions in a western kansas grazing system, switchgrass reached peak production approximately 5 years after seeding launchbaugh. Keys to using switchgrass as a hay crop earlyseason production late aprillate may for switchgrass produces the highestquality forage and can be easily utilized for hay. When grown from seed, switchgrass is slow to establish because seedling vigor is low compared to annual crops. Growing and harvesting switchgrass for ethanol production in tennessee clark d.
1578 542 762 988 1429 1553 849 1612 520 1560 1591 174 915 1078 1076 1545 1117 1266 1310 1498 1067 935 621 235 284 189 1100 1383 986 148 1006 1305 246 1169 175 915