Author
Vogel, Kenneth |
Submitted to: Crop Science Society of America Monograph
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2003 Publication Date: 10/1/2004 Citation: Vogel, K.P. 2004. Switchgrass. p. 561-588. In L.E. Moser, L. Sollenberger, and B. Burson (ed.). Warm-season grasses. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Monograph. Madison, WI. Interpretive Summary: Switchgrass is native to most of temperate North America east of the Rocky Mountains. In the past 50 years, it has been used for pasture and rangeland in the Great Plains and the Midwest, USA. In the future, the use of switchgrass will increase in both North America and other temperate areas of the world, particularly for conservation purposes including establishment of buffer and barrier strips and herbaceous hedges because its use will allow farmers and land managers to meet environmental rules and regulations. If economical conversion technologies can be developed, it will likely be planted on millions of hectares as biomass energy crop. Switchgrass¿s use in pure stands and mixtures as a warm-season pasture species will continue to expand in temperate regions where high temperatures inhibit the growth of cool-season grasses during summer months. A comprehensive summary of the research information available on switchgrass including its taxonomy, genetics, breeding, cultivars, physiology, uses, and management was developed for use by professional agronomists, scientists, and others who need technical information on switchgrass. Technical Abstract: Switchgrass is native to most of temperate North America east of the Rocky Mountains. In the past 50 years, it has been used for pasture and rangeland in the Great Plains and the Midwest, USA. In the future, the use of switchgrass will increase in both North America and other temperate areas of the world, particularly for conservation purposes including establishment of buffer and barrier strips and herbaceous hedges because its use will allow farmers and land managers to meet environmental rules and regulations. If economical conversion technologies can be developed, it will likely be planted on millions of hectares as biomass energy crop. Switchgrass¿s use in pure stands and mixtures as a warm-season pasture species will continue to expand in temperate regions where high temperatures inhibit the growth of cool-season grasses during summer months. A comprehensive summary of the research information available on switchgrass including its taxonomy, genetics, breeding, cultivars, physiology, uses, and management was developed for use by professional agronomists, scientists, and others who need technical information on switchgrass. |