Switchgrass

1
Switchgrass

• Pancium Virgatum
• Forage
• Grass

2
Selecting the field

• Since Switchgrass is a native grass it adapts
  well to many soils types.
• Deep and extensive root system.
• Best growth on 15 inches or more top soil
• No fertilizer is necessary when planting.

3
Diseases

• Common
• Smut
• Anthracnose

• Rare
• Elsinoe leaf spot
• Helminthisporium spot blotch
• Phoma leaf spot
• Fusarium root rot

4
Switchgrass Uses

• Hay
• Erosion control
• Pasture
• Wildlife habitat

5
Benefits of Switchgrass

• No fertilizer necessary
• Can be grown on marginal lands
• Prevents soil erosion due to extensive root
  system
• Provides nesting and cover habitat for wildlife

6
Planting time

• Spring
• April to May
• Soil temperature at least 60 degrees
• Do not plant after June 30 - seed will not
  establish before winter

7
Planting Rate

• 5 - 8 pounds of seed per acre

8
Yield

• High
• 389,000 seeds per pound
• Yields vary considerably among sites due to soil
  and precipitation differences. It can be grown in
  mixtures or monocultures, but switchgrass is
  grazed more efficiently in a monoculture than in
  a mixture.

9
Costs

• Seed cost currently varies between 3-4/pound,
  depending on the desired variety and demand.