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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #138270
Title: FIELD SCALE EVALUATION OF ESTABLISHMENT YEAR STANDS ON SWITCHGRASS BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN THE NORTHERN PLAINS

Author
item Schmer, Marty
item Vogel, Kenneth
item MOSER, LOWELL - UNI OF NE
item MITCHELL, ROBERT - USDA-ARS

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2003
Publication Date: 11/1/2002
Citation: Schmer, M.R., Vogel, K.P., Moser, L., Mitchell, R.B. 2002. Field scale evaluation of establishment year stands on switchgrass biomass production in the northern plains. Agronomy Abstracts. In Annual Meeting Abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, SSA. Madison, Wi.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The United States Department of Energy has designated switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a potential bioenergy crop. Switchgrass biomass yields are negatively impacted by weed competition and low establishment stands. The objectives of this study were to determine if establishment year stands of switchgrass are predictive of post-establishment year stands of switchgrass at the field scale level. Other objectives include how switchgrass and weed density affect biomass yield. Switchgrass density, weed density, and dry matter yield were collected each year on 11 fields in Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Preliminary data indicates that higher switchgrass densities positively influence dry matter yield and annual grassy weeds negatively impact dry matter yield during establishment year. Establishment year switchgrass stands have a positive relationship with second year stands (r=0.52). Control of weeds, especially annual grassy weeds is essential in switchgrass establishment and increasing dry matter yield.