In June 2010 we published an Ag News & Views article entitled Nutrient Requirements for Switchgrass Production. Expanding on that theme, let's examine switchgrass forage yields and quality over a growing season when the crop is properly managed. Disclaimer, e-mail: [email protected] In these studies, the first grazing of warm-season grasses occurs in early June, two to three weeks earlier than the normal late June/early July start date. 0000001316 00000 n
NUTRITIONAL VALUE : Switchgrass in early growth stages is nutritious. Switchgrass produces large seeds on a spangled-type seed head. It makes a good substitute for some of the larger Miscanthus cultivars. ND-Switchgrass Biomass Yields in the Northern Great Plains (PAVI2) ND-Switchgrass as a Bioenergy Crop (PAVI2) NE-Developing Switchgrass Into a Biomass Fuel Crop (PAVI2) NE-Switchgrass for Grazing and Hay (PAVI2) OH-Ohio State University Seed Biology (PAVI2) OK-Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery (PAVI2) OK-Oklahoma Forages (PAVI2) Switchgrass cultivars are highly variable, and agronomic research, and perhaps genetic engineering, to develop improved varieties can assist stand establishment, productivity and decrease unwanted nutritional toxins that impact grazing and decrease unwanted combustion products. Milium virgatum var. scorteum H.P.Linder, Panicum virgatum var. Switch grass uses C4 carbon fixation, giving it an advantage in conditions of drought and high temperature. Harvesting after frost optimizes nutrient recycling, limits weed problems, and encourages long-term stand persistence. They are open at their apices, forming a V-shape. Basic plant breeding is simple. Switchgrass produces high amounts of biomass that can be used for solid biofuel production. The plant has deep rhizomatous and fibrous root system nearly as deep as the plant is tall. Market Value of Switchgrass. They were replaced by cool-s… There is a need to genetically improve switchgrass 0000005180 00000 n
lowest pH values (4.2 – 4.4) for switchgrass. Switchgrass, like a number of other native warm-sea- son grasses (NWSG), can actually produce high-quality forage. Switch-grass has been bred primarily to enhance its nutritional value as a forage crop (Vogel et al., 1989). %PDF-1.4
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They are usually medium green (less often light blue and glaucous), hairless to mostly hairless, and either flat or slightly indented along their mid veins. Switchgrass is a tall-growing, warm-season, perennial grass that is native to much of the United States including Virginia. 0000002995 00000 n
defoliation on switchgrass responses. Switchgrass. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a three-year application of digestate from an agricultural biogas plant on the physicochemical properties of highly acidic pHKCl 4.4 ± 0.23, silty loam soils with low macronutrient content and on the yield and nutritional value of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) biomass harvested for green fodder. Data on switchgrass production on marginal sites are limited. glauciphyllum Cassidy, Panicum virgatum var. Biomass, Erosion Control & Revegetation, Grasses & Grass-like Species, Uplands & Meadows, Wildlife Habitat & Food Plots Classification: Herbaceous Perennial Bloom Period: June to October Foliage Color: Green Height: Up to 4.5 Ft Minimum Root Depth: 12 in pH: 4.5 – 8.0 Indicator Regions (view map & key): Northcentral & Northeast: FAC Midwest: FAC warm season grass with the ability to produce moderate to high Switchgrass silage benefitted most from addition of alfalfa, urea and plantain. It is from Amber Wave Gardens, Benton Harbor, Michigan has green foliage that turns shades of deep red in early summer. glaucephyllum Cassidy, Panicum virgatum var. 0000034593 00000 n
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They are straight, slightly curved, or slightly wiry. across and 2 inches long. The fertile lemma is 2.5–3.5 mm. Switchgrass will benefit from burning of plant residues just prior to initiation of spring growth. Previous research has shown that switchgrass biomass yields respond to nitrogen fertilizer rates of up to 168 kg/ha, depending on ecotype and location (Guretzky, Biermacher, Cook, Kering, & Mosali, 2011; Muir, Sanderson, Ocumpaugh, Jones, & Reed, 2001; Sanderson, Read, & Reed, 1999). The seed provide food for pheasants, quail, turkeys, doves, and songbirds. elongatum (Vasey) Lunell, Panicum virgatum subsp. 150. During the period of bloom, the spikelets are 3-5 mm. 0000004926 00000 n
Switchgrass is often used as hay for cattle as they find it nutritious and palatable. 0000478738 00000 n
To date switchgrass has been bred primarily to enhance its nutritional value as a forage crop for livestock (Vogel et al. 0000029704 00000 n
Finite nutrients, such as P and K are assumedly remobilized post-senescence in herbaceous feedstocks like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a function of environmental signaling and genotype. bag that plants 2-3 Acres and is also available in a … Before seedheads develop, forage quality is high and palat-ability good. 1989). Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) may have value as forage and a bioenergy feedstock. As forage, Switchgrass provides excellent feed for livestock and other animals. The leaf blades are up to 15 mm. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); POLICY 0000038528 00000 n
Switchgrass can provide habitat and food for many species of wildlife, including cover for large and small mammals, and a nesting place for wild turkey and quail. Flowers have a well-developed panicle, often up to 60 cm long, and it bears a good crop of seeds. Switch grass is excellent forage for cattle; however, it has shown toxicity in horses, sheep, and goats. Significant differences were also found among 40 switchgrass rust isolates for their germination percentage (p < 0.0001) (data not shown). Biofuel Source: Switchgrass is a native . Under grazing conditions, switchgrass is sustainable and provides adequate ADG and gain per acre when grazed to a stubble height that is not shorter than 8–12 in. Before seedheads develop, forage quality is high and palat-ability good. 0000024781 00000 n
Several alternate leaves occur along the entire length of each culm. It is a Kurt Bluemel introduction with tightly upright cool blue-green leaves that turn rich amber in fall and fade to light tan by winter. [21] also found that switchgrass production reduced soil erosion and nutrient loss. It is a tall selection introduced by former Bluemount Nursery of Maryland that can reach 7-8 feet, with light metallic blue leaves and gold fall color. 0000044395 00000 n
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