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Types of Switchgrass

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

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Types of Switchgrass

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  1. 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.

  2. Alamo Switchgrass • Alamo is one potential type 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. • Alamo switchgrass performance is good on all kinds of soils from clays to fine sands. • Minimum rainfall requirements is 20 inches. • Has goodcold-weather tolerance • Has a fair drought tolerance • Alamo grows to a height of 4 – 10 feet. • Spread is 24 – 60 inches

  3. Alamo Continued • Planting • Plant seeds in the early spring • For soil, a medium range of P and K are desirable with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5 • Can use no-till, conventional, or broadcast methods of seeding. • Plant the seed no more than 1/4 inch deep. • Broadleaf weeds should be eradicated early by using 2-4-D, Banvel, or similar herbicide. • Alamo should be seeded at a rate of 2 lbs. PLS/acre. • Alamo Switchgrass pure seed costs $13.25 for one pound. • 280,000 per lb.

  4. Alamo Continued • Soils • 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.

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