Book
Establishment and management of switchgrass for forage and biofuel under irrigation
Extension mimeo (Washington State University. Cooperative Extension), 125E, Washington State University Extension
2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006235
Abstract
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season perennial grass that has been grown for seed for more than 30 years in the Columbia Basin. Switchgrass and other selected perennial warm-season grasses (WSG) can also be successfully grown in the hotter, irrigated regions of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) as feedstock for cellulosic biofuel or forage for livestock. Research studies were first established with switchgrass and other WSG at Washington State University Prosser in 2002. More than a decade later, this initial planting of switchgrass remained productive. After the establishment year, sprinkler-irrigated WSG fields were harvested twice per season for biofuel and as many as five times for pasture. By understanding and following the guidelines in this publication, we have maintained relatively dense, productive stands (specific to the species and variety) for years. We recognize switchgrass and many perennial WSG to be "sustainable" when properly managed. To accomplish the goal of long-term sustainable forage and feedstock production, the crop must be established properly, which is the focus of this publication. Variety differences for number of seeds per pound, optimum planting time, weed control practices, growth and development above- and belowground, and establishment year yields of switchgrass under irrigation in the PNW are compared. This publication encapsulates many of our experiences, research results, and recommendations with pre- and post-seeding management and early switchgrass seedling development under irrigation. Guidelines are provided so growers and researchers may avoid critical errors when establishing switchgrass in the irrigated Inland PNW. The goal is to have each planted acre of switchgrass result in a successful stand that overwinters to produce high biomass yields for many years. The principles discussed apply to either forage or biofuel feedstock production when grown under irrigation.
Metrics
12 File views/ downloads
28 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Establishment and management of switchgrass for forage and biofuel under irrigation
- Creators
- Steve Fransen (Author)Hal Collins (Author)Rick Allen Boydston (Author)
- Academic Unit
- Publications, WSU Extension
- Series
- Extension mimeo (Washington State University. Cooperative Extension); 125E
- Publisher
- Washington State University Extension; Pullman, Washington
- Format
- 10
- Number of pages
- 10
- Identifiers
- 99901083738201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book