ARS | Publication request: Late Seedling Development and Winter Dormancy Management of Irrigated Switchgrass for Biofuel in the PNW

Submitted to: Experiment Station Bulletins
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: June 26, 2008
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Major growth for switchgrass and other perennial warm-season grasses (WSG) occurs during July and early August in the establishment year. Grasses are actively developing white roots at this time but the roots are relatively shallow in the soil. Irrigation management should be adjusted for slightly less frequent and longer irrigation sets during this growth phase. As switchgrass and other WSG transition into the late seedling growth stage, starting about mid-August and continuing until fall dormancy, grasses respond to decreasing daylengths. Switchgrass response to decreasing daylengths is lower daily growth rate until the final biomass yield. The primary goal from the establishment year is a fully developed seedling stand with deep rooting development by fall dormancy so these plants will survive our northwest winters.This bulletin will assist growers, new to WSG, through late seedling development and winter dormancy management.