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Submitted to: BioEnergy Research
Publication Type: Experiment Station Publication Acceptance Date: 9/2/2015 Publication Date: 9/9/2015 Citation: Mitchell, R.B., and S. Brown. Guidelines for growing perennial grasses for biofuel and bioproducts, eXtension Fact Sheet, CenUSA Bioenergy, Iowa State Univ., Ames IA 2015 Interpretive Summary: Interpretive Summary: Switchgrass, big bluestem, and warm-season grass mixtures are potential crops for biofuel and bioproducts. New equipment, herbicides, grass cultivars and other advancements promote rapid establishment in the planting year. These grasses typically produce a harvestable yield after frost in the planting year and are near full production in the year after planting if moisture is adequate. These grasses can be productive for 10 years or longer with good management. Guidelines are provided for establishing and managing perennial grasses for multiple uses. Technical Abstract: Guidelines for growing perennial grasses for biofuel and bioproducts Rob Mitchell Abstract: Switchgrass, big bluestem, and warm-season grass mixtures provide numerous benefits. Existing field equipment, herbicides, and cultivar improvement promote rapid establishment in the planting year. These grasses typically produce a harvestable yield after frost in the planting year and are near full production in the year after planting if moisture is adequate. Typical baled yield at the field scale after establishment exceeds 5 tons per acre in areas east of the arid section of the country. These grasses can be productive for 10 years or longer with good management. Guidelines are provided on best management practices for establishing and managing perennial grasses for multiple uses. |
