Establishing and managing perennial grass energy crop demonstration plots

Authors: Mitchell, Robert - Rob; VOLENEC, JEFFREY - Purdue University; PORTER, PAMELA - University Of Wisconsin

Submitted to: Extension Fact Sheets
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/30/2013
Publication Date: 6/5/2013
Citation: Mitchell, R., Volenec, J., Porter, P. 2013. Establishing and managing perennial grass energy crop demonstration plots. Extension Fact Sheets. http://www.cenusa.iastate.edu.

Interpretive Summary: Farmers and biofuel industry representatives across the country are interested in testing the performance of energy crops. Setting up test plots in specific agricultural regions can be useful in showing producers the potential for growing bioenergy feedstocks on their farms. Demonstration plots or small fields can demonstrate best management practices and yield potential as well as how to establish perennial grasses quickly and economically. Additionally they can demonstrate differences between the forage and bioenergy varieties of various perennial grasses. Procedures for successfully establishing and managing perennial grass energy crop demonstration plots have been developed and are available for use.

Technical Abstract: Researchers, farmers, and industry representatives across the country are interested in testing the performance of energy crops. Setting up a test plot in your region can be useful in showing producers the potential for growing bioenergy feedstocks on their farms. The test plot can demonstrate best management practices and yield potential as well as how to establish perennial grasses quickly and economically. Additionally it can demonstrate differences between the forage and bioenergy strains of various perennial grasses. We provide suggestions for establishing and managing your own energy crop demonstration plot.