Switchgrass for Biomass Production

Six cultivars of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) were established in 1993 at Princeton, Kentucky, USA. Two harvest systems were used: two cuttings per year in mid-June and November and one cutting per year in November. Biomass yield and stand survival were evaluated. Lowland cultivars produced more biomass than upland cultivars in both cutting managements. Upland cultivars did better in a two cut system while the other cultivars showed little difference. Excellent stands of all cultivars were maintained under both cutting managements