0 0000000016 00000 n It provides good warm-season pasture and high quality hay for livestock. 0000032063 00000 n The glumes and sterile lemma are ovate, convex along their outer surfaces, longitudinally veined, and narrowly acute at their tips. Although regular grass provides nutrition and fiber to livestock and other animals, the high cellulose content is difficult for digestion by humans and, as a result, provides very few nutrients. glauciphyllum Cassidy, Panicum virgatum var. 0000034593 00000 n 150. This inflorescence is an airy panicle of spikelets. %%EOF startxref 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. The plant is found growing in black soil prairies, clay prairies, sand prairies, typical savannas, sandy savannas, open woodlands, rocky bluffs, sand dunes, edges of marshes, sandy pannes, banks of rivers and ponds, prairie restorations, areas along railroads, roadsides, ditches, abandoned fields, gravel bars, stream banks, open oak and pine woodlands, shores, riverbanks, and high brackish marshes along maritime forest. Switch grass is excellent forage for cattle; however, it has shown toxicity in horses, sheep, and goats. The compact plants are only about three feet tall, with taller flower spikes with strong pink tones, and dark burgundy seeds. An annual plant, it must be reseeded each year for continued production. Each fertile culm terminates in an inflorescence that is 7-20 inches long and about one-half as much across when it is fully open. Ligules have bands of white hairs, while the nodes are swollen and often dark-colored. All rights reserved. The grass's upright growth pattern places its growing point off the soil surface onto its stem, so leaving 25 cm of stubble is important for regrowth. Burning switchgrass together with coal can generate electricity with lower emissions than coal alone. 0000041883 00000 n At a minimum, they will have to pay at least its value as livestock feed, which is expected to be about $95 per ton of DM (equivalent to $83 per ton of 15%-moisture hay). Beginning in April 2008, we will evaluate the utilization and value of switchgrass for stocker cattle. The warm-season grasses are grazed for 10-14 days when switchgrass and big bluestem are still leafy (10-20” tall). To date switchgrass has been bred primarily to enhance its nutritional value as a forage crop for livestock (Vogel et al. The monoculture stands of grass that FDC manages are baled and then stored under cover. year, cut date and fertiliser tr eatment on the variability of switchgrass yield, nutritional value and mineral composition. Based on this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of switchgrass to Mediterranean environment as forage crop and to improve biomass yield and its nutritional value by intercropping with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L). However, it is in its infancy as a bioenergy production crop since some of the feedstock target traits are different from forage traits. 103 0 obj<>stream scorteum H.P.Linder, Panicum virgatum var. It may flop in overly rich soils. The smaller glume is about two-thirds of the length of the spikelet, while the remaining glume and sterile lemma are the same length as the spikelet. 0000025285 00000 n It makes a good substitute for some of the larger Miscanthus cultivars. 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 widely adapted and found throughout the United States with the exception of the West Coast. Switchgrass was seeded in 2010 at 30 PLS ft 2 using a no-till drill and seeded at 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, 30-, and 36-inch row spacings (Figure 1). Switchgrass. When ripe, the seeds sometimes take on a pink or dull-purple tinge, and turn golden brown with the foliage of the plant in the fall. The nutrient content of this forage can be as high as 16-17 percent crude protein, if harvested correctly. 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. The urea+plantain combinations resulted in the highest lactate values and lowest pH values (4.2-4.4) for switchgrass. long, light green to reddish green (rarely light blue and glaucous), lanceoloid in shape, and glabrous. It can be used as an energy substitute and is often considered a good candidate for bio-fuel, especially ethanol fuel production, due to its hardiness against poor soil and climate conditions, rapid growth and low fertilization and herbicide requirements. 0000024781 00000 n An annual cutting in fall or winter suffices for biomass production since its value is based on total tonnage, not nutritional quality. However, in the past decade, switchgrass has been a focus for input in biofuel production. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=40913#null, https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2634/, https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=26657, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Panicum+virgatum, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l460, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PAVIV, http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-430831, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panicum_virgatum, https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/panvir/all.html. For hay, switchgrass harvest is recommended at anthesis (around August 1 in eastern Nebraska), but for bioenergy, bedding, or as roughage for feedlot rations, harvest is recommended after a killing frost. 0000465600 00000 n With proper management, ryegrass yields a high nutrient value, including an average crude protein level of 11.8 percent. 0000025901 00000 n Market Value of Switchgrass. Switch grass is excellent forage for cattle; however, it has shown toxicity in horses, sheep, and goats. 133. It is more drought tolerant than many cultivars. 0000478738 00000 n Market Value of Switchgrass. Switchgrass silage benefitted most from addition of alfalfa, urea and plantain. The ascending to widely spreading branches divides into branchlets and pedicellate spikelets. 0000033850 00000 n Significant differences were also found among 40 switchgrass rust isolates for their germination percentage (p < 0.0001) (data not shown). “A guy who’s raising cattle As forage, Switchgrass provides excellent feed for livestock and other animals. Expanding on that theme, let's examine switchgrass forage yields and quality over a growing season when the crop is properly managed. 0000024116 00000 n This plant is one of the more dominant species of the tallgrass prairie, but it is found all over North America growing along moist roadsides, streambanks, and woodlands. Vogel, 1995). It is discovered growing wild in a Wisconsin meadow, it is one of the bluest selections (but not as sturdy as some so may flop more in wet conditions) that grows 4-5 feet tall, with silvery inflorescences. 0000045948 00000 n 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. Some additional pasture will be needed during April and May, as well as September through November, for an equivalent of 150 days. During the period of bloom, the spikelets are 3-5 mm. 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. © 2020 Healthbenefitstimes. Ryegrass tends to die out over time and require seeding, making it costlier to maintain than more persistent species. It is much earlier than other red cultivars and butter yellow in fall. 0000477452 00000 n 0000031364 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. Switchgrass hay, on the other hand, averages less than 15% moisture. At a minimum, they will have to pay at least its value as livestock feed, which is expected to be about $95 per ton of DM (equivalent to $83 per ton of 15%-moisture hay). They were replaced by cool-s… After seedheads emerge, however, nutritive value declines rapidly, and the plant provides only the minimum maintenance energy needs of ruminants [ 35 ]. Switchgrass. It is broader toward the bottom than the top and pyramidal in outline. It is a 5 foot tall selection originally found in Dallas and introduced by Change of Scenery Nursery in Columbus, Ohio. Switchgrass can reduce soil erosion and provide warm season pasture for most ruminants. It is a vigorous, very upright selection by Roy Diblik at Northwind Perennial Farm in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, growing up to 5 feet tall with steel blue foliage that turns tawny gold in fall, and maroon and green flower plumes held incredibly erect above the foliage. It is also tolerant to wet areas. The plant prefers moderately deep to deep, somewhat dry to poorly drained, sandy to clay loam soils are best. 1989). Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) may have value as forage and a bioenergy feedstock. It has powdery blue leaves that turn copper in fall and remain well colored through the winter, and pinkish-purple flower plumes. After seedheads emerge, nutrient levels become low and switchgrass becomes less acceptable as pasture. Switchgrass is easily identified … Switch grass is a hardy, deep-rooted, clump forming, warm season, perennial, rhizomatous bunchgrass that grows about 2.7 m (8 ft. 10 in) high, but is typically shorter than big bluestem grass or Indian grass. warm season grass with the ability to produce moderate to high 0000004549 00000 n Research in Tennessee has shown that, if grown exclusively for hay, 4-5 tons per acre are not uncommon. trailer 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 was seeded in 2010 at 30 PLS ft 2 using a no-till drill and seeded at 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, 30-, and 36-inch row spacings (Figure 1). They are open at their apices, forming a V-shape. leaves turn to golden in autumn, Flowers have a well-developed panicle, often up to 60 cm long, and it bears a good crop of seeds, Beautiful reddish-purple seed head atop glossy leaves, 3–6 mm long and up to 1.5 mm wide, and are developed from a single-flowered spikelet, Pink or dull-purple tinge, and turn golden brown with the foliage of the plant, Spermatophytina  (spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames), Lilianae  (monocots, monocotyledons, monocotyledons), Panicum virgatum L. var. 0000031767 00000 n Switchgrass is an attractive biofuel feedstock because it can grow on marginal lands of little agricultural value. Switchgrass was harvested after a killing frost (the first or second week of November each year) to determine yield. Before seedheads develop, forage quality is high and palat-ability good. SWITCHGRASS Panicum virgatum L. Plant Symbol = PAVI2 Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program Uses Livestock: Switchgrass is noted for its heavy growth during late spring and early summer. Ani-mals are reluctant to eat mature switchgrass and may refuse it entirely if other feed is available. 0000005180 00000 n Switchgrass is a perennial, warm-season ornamental grass that is native to North Carolina. ... supports investments in research in the areas of human nutrition and health and sustainable dairy production. 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. Switchgrass will benefit from burning of plant residues just prior to initiation of spring growth. Privacy Policy Response data of switchgrass to potassium (K) fertilization is limited, especially on low fertility soils, where switchgrass is most likely to be grown for bioenergy purposes. Leaf sheaths are about the same color as the blades and hairless. Switchgrass will benefit from burning of plant residues just prior to initiation of spring growth. 0000002193 00000 n It can grow on sand to clay loam soils and tolerates soils with pH values ranging from 4.9 to 7.6. Rachis, lateral branches, branchlets, and pedicels are light green (rarely light blue and glaucous), glabrous, and slender. 53 51 0000491596 00000 n 0000027948 00000 n Before seedheads develop, forage quality is high and palat-ability good. It provides good warm-season pasture and high quality hay for livestock. Switchgrass: Tomato: Triticale: Watermelon: Wheat : Discovery of plant amyloids could help create varieties with improved seed quality - This fundamental finding could help improve the nutritional value of plant seeds and even reduce allergenicity of legume seeds in the future. In June 2010 we published an Ag News & Views article entitled Nutrient Requirements for Switchgrass Production. Switchgrass pasture needs careful management and must be grazed before seedstalks develop. %PDF-1.4 %���� Forage nutritive value was measured using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. 0000004926 00000 n It does poorly on some heavy soils. Switchgrass has so far been bred primarily as a forage crop with a target to enhance its nutritional value [46]. Biofuel Source: Switchgrass is a native . 0000494416 00000 n 0000436383 00000 n Erosion Control: Switchgrass is perhaps our most valuable native grass on a wide range of sites. 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. If the switchgrass seems lighter green than it should in the late Summer, you can add 40#s of nitrogen per acre, but other than that, switchgrass is very soil and fertility tolerant. The effects of defoli-ation management on forage mass, tiller counts, leaf/stem ratio, canopy height, light interception, and weed infesta-tion for ‘Performer’ switchgrass were previously reported by Bekewe et al. USDA SCS. Switchgrass may also be a more economically advantageous choice for some dairy farmers. It would have a high amount of biomass per acre and be able to produce a lot of ethanol. Yearlings often gain 1.5 to 2 lbs per day during this time. Data from: Switchgrass cultivar, yield, and nutrient removal responses to harvest timing . NUTRITIONAL VALUE : Switchgrass in early growth stages is nutritious. glaucephyllum Cassidy, Panicum virgatum var. 0000029704 00000 n The leaves are wider than many other cultivars, and plants have a fuller shape and denser flower spikes that appear in distinct layers. Once established, switch grass stand can survive for ten years or longer. 0000042126 00000 n We do not yet know what refineries will pay for switchgrass as cellulosic feedstock. They are straight, slightly curved, or slightly wiry. Harvesting after frost optimizes nutrient recycling, limits weed problems, and encourages long-term stand persistence. What Switchgrass To Buy Switchgrass silage benefitted most from addition of alfalfa, urea and plantain. Each spikelet has 2 glumes, 2 lemmas (one fertile and the other sterile), a palea, and a perfect floret. soil erosion and nutrient loss compared to annual crops. Hence, switch-grass has been managed primarily for high leaf-to-stem ratio and nutrient content via multiple cuttings through- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a native warm‐season perennial grass, is efficient at converting mineral nutrients to harvestable plant tissue with low nutrient removal rates (Vogel et al., 2002); however, scant data exists on optimum P and K applications under multiple forage harvests per annum. With proper management a Switchgrass pasture can produce between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds of forage per acre or higher. Yields of 2-5 tons per acre can be expect- ed, depending on rainfall and soil type, as well as other environmental conditions. The company uses a large tub grinder to reduce the grass stems to a consistent length for feeding into the boiler with maximum efficiency. lowest pH values (4.2 – 4.4) for switchgrass. We do not yet know what refineries will pay for switchgrass as cellulosic feedstock. Real World Switchgrass is offered in a 10 lb. Terms & conditions Th e objective of this study was to determine the yield, nutritive value, and soil C changes of switch-grass cultivars under grazing and clipping. Th ere have been few evaluations of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars under multiple harvest managements in the northeastern United States. The seeds are 3–6 mm long and up to 1.5 mm wide, and are developed from a single-flowered spikelet. 0000025826 00000 n 0000044395 00000 n The plant is sometimes used as a windbreak in crop fields. 0000459832 00000 n 0000002995 00000 n The upright clumps grow 4-5 feet tall and 1½-2 feet wide. It is a valuable soil-stabilization plant; it is used as ground cover to control erosion. After seedheads emerge, though, nutrient levels decline rapidly and animals refuse to eat much of it. Switchgrass must be grazed before seedheads develop. “Witchgrass” switchgrass facts Switchgrass is one of many “energy crops”—plants that can be grown specifically to be harvested and converted into biofuel at a biorefinery. The stem is round, hollow, and usually, has a reddish tint. grasses when they are at their nutritional best. Data on switchgrass production on marginal sites are limited. Switchgrass is harvested using conventional haying equipment. cubense (Griseb.) 0000025974 00000 n Flowers have a well-developed panicle, often up to 60 cm long, and it bears a good crop of seeds.