Switchgrass | |
| Species: | Switchgrass |
| Scientific Name: | Panicum virgatum |
| Cultivars: | Alamo (adapted to FL); Caverock, Blackwell, Kanlow (last two adapted to northern US locations) |
| Growth Habit: | 4-6 feet tall, bunchgrass |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial |
| Origin: | North America |
| Production Season: | May-October |
| Nutritive Value: | Varies depending on management. Very palatable during spring, early summer and fall. Usually, low to medium crude protein, low to medium digestibility. |
| Use: | Grazing, hay, biofuel production |
Adaptation | |
| Soil: | Sandy-loam, clay-loam |
| pH: | 5.5-7.5 |
| Rainfall: | 20-40 inches |
| Temperature: | Warm-season, tropical to subtropical conditions. Plants may survive single drops below freezing temperatures |
Management | |
| Planting Date: | April |
| Planting Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Seeding Rate: | 2 lbs PLS/acre. Using conventional equipment like a Brillion seeder |
| Seed Cost: | Alamo ($20/lb; $100 to 120/acre) Blackwell ($7/lb; $35 to 42/acre) |
| Fertilization: | For fertilization info click this link |
| Production: | 4000 to 8000 lb/acre; when well fertilized |
Notes | |
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