Types of Switchgrass

• There are two major Categories for Switchgrass:– Upland Cultivars

• Upland types usually grow 5 to 6 feet tall and are adapted to well drained soils.

– Lowland Cultivars• Lowland Cultivars are more adaptive to warmer climates such as the

southern USA and are much higher yielding than uplands.• Lowland types grow up to 12 feet tall and which are typically found on

heavy soils in bottomland sites.

• In Kentucky, Lowland types are what is commonly and potentially being grown.

Lowland Switchgrass

• Alamo and Kanlow are potential types of lowland switchgrass being grown for biofuels production in Kentucky– Alamo has a high dry matter (DM) yield capability.– It displays good resistance to stem rust disease.– Has good cold-weather tolerance– Has a fair drought tolerance

Lowland Switchgrass Info

Alamo• Soils: clays to fine sands• Minimum rainfall: 20 inches• Height: 4 – 10 feet• Spread: 24 – 60 inches

Kanlow

• Soils: clays to fine sands• Minimum rainfall: 20 inches• Height: 3 – 8 feet• Spread: 24 – 60 inches

Planting Methods

Alamo• Plant in early spring to mid-

summer• Can use no-till, conventional, and

broadcast methods of seeding.• Planting depth: ¼ inch• Planting rate: 6 lbs PLS per acre.• Seed cost: $13.25 per pound• pH: medium range of P and K are

desirable w/ pH 5.5 – 6.5

Kanlow• Planting in early spring to mid-

summer.• Can use no-till, conventional, and

broadcast methods of seeding.• Planting depth: ½ inch• Planting rate: 6 lbs PLS per acre.• Seed cost: $13.25 per pound• pH: medium range of P and K are

desirable w/ pH 5.5 – 6.5

Weed Control

– Broadleaf weeds should be eradicated early by using 2-4-D, Banvel, or similar herbicide.

– Clipping 1 -3 times during first growing season to a stubble height 4 - 5 inches when the weeds reach 6 -10 inches.

Kanlow Continued

• Planting– 'Kanlow' switchgrass shall be planted December 1 to May 31. – For soil, a medium range of P and K are desirable with a pH of 5.5 –

6.5.– No-till planting with a no-till drill in fields not bedded from past row

crops is the ideal way to plant. – UT recommends 6 pounds of PLS per acre.– Seed shall be uniformly spread or in rows not to exceed 10 inches

apart and about 1/2 inch deep.– Soil shall be firmly packed over the seed following the seeding

operation.

Compatible Soils

• Alamo– Best soils are moderately deep to deep, somewhat dry to poorly drained,

sandy to clay loam soils unless severe weed competition exists during establishment. In the East, it performs well on shallow and droughty soil. Switchgrass does poorly on heavy soils.

• Kanlow– Switchgrass is broadly adapted and will perform well in a wide range of

soil types. Loam and sandy soils allow for roots and crown to spread more easily than some denser clay soils. Whatever the soil type, successful establishment requires planting when the soil temperature is warm and moisture is available. Sandy soils dry out more quickly, potentially limiting establishment success and biomass yields.

Kanlow Continued

• Soil type– Switchgrass is broadly adapted and will perform well in a wide range

of soil types, although it may prefer soils of finer texture. Loam and sandy soils allow for roots and crown to spread more easily than so denser clay soils. Whatever the soil type, successful establishment requires planting when the soil temperature is warm and moisture is available. Sandy soils dry out more quickly, potentially limiting establishment success and biomass yields.

Harvesting

• Switchgrass can be harvested with conventional hay equipment. Many farmers have large round balers and prefer to use their existing equipment. Round bales are acceptable. However, large rectangular bales (3 x 4 x 8 feet and 4 x 4 x 8 feet) are easier to handle, store and transport.