2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) 1) To identify the optimum selection technique to identify the best performing switchgrass plants (with higher nitrogen use efficiency [NUE]) on marginal land and to identify germplasm of switchgrass that performs best on marginal land in each region;. 2)Identify cultivars of switchgrass that perform best on marginal land in each region and identify cultivars that may have broader adaptation across several locations on marginal land;. 3)Determine the biomass production of C4 grass and legume mixtures vs. C4 grass monocultures on marginal land in each adaptation region; and. 4)Develop new cultivars with improved biomass production for biofuels on marginal land in each adaptation region. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Switchgrass cultivars and half-sib families will be evaluated at Hancock and Arlington, WI. The two locations will represent prime farmland and marginal farmland for growing switchgrass as a bioenergy crop. Plots will be planted in 2008 and harvested in 2009-2011. 3.Progress Report Various types of plots were established to evaluate cultivars, mixtures, half-sib families, and genotypes with and without nitrogen fertilizer on prime vs. marginal farmland. NP307 Action Plan, Component 1, Feedstock Development.