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ARS Home » Plains Area » Temple, Texas » Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #228600
Title: Switchgrass biomass simulation at diverse sites in the northern Great Plains of the U.S.

Author
item Kiniry, James
item Schmer, Marty
item Vogel, Kenneth
item Mitchell, Robert - Rob

Submitted to: BioEnergy Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2008
Publication Date: 12/2/2008
Citation: Kiniry, J.R., Schmer, M.R., Vogel, K.P., Mitchell, R. 2008. Switchgrass biomass simulation at diverse sites in the northern Great Plains of the U.S. BioEnergy Research. 1(3-4):259-264.

Interpretive Summary: The simulation model named ALMANAC (Agricultural Land Management Alternatives with Numerical Assessment Criteria) model was originally developed and tested in Texas. This paper describes some testing of ALMANAC for switchgrass simulation in more northerly locations. The objective of this study was to adjust switchgrass parameters (potential leaf area index and degree days to maturity) for more northern sites and cultivars and to validate the model against switchgrass data from diverse sites in the northern U.S. Three or four years of measured yield data were used from a total of 10 field sites in North Dakota (ND), South Dakota (SD), and Nebraska (NE). The model realistically simulated mean annual switchgrass yields. Mean simulated yields were within 3%, 15%, and 9% of mean measured yields for NE, SD, and ND, respectively. The ALMANAC model shows promise as a useful tool for switchgrass evaluation and management in the northern Great Plains and in similar regions elsewhere.

Technical Abstract: The ALMANAC (Agricultural Land Management Alternatives with Numerical Assessment Criteria) model, originally developed and tested in Texas, needs to be tested for switchgrass simulation in more northerly locations. The objective of this study was to adjust switchgrass parameters (potential leaf area index (DMLA) and degree days to maturity (PHU)) for more northern sites and cultivars and to validate the model against switchgrass data from diverse sites in the northern Great Plains of the U.S. Three or four years of measured yield data were used from a total of 10 field sites in North Dakota (ND), South Dakota (SD), and Nebraska (NE). The model realistically simulated mean annual switchgrass yields. Mean simulated yields were within 3%, 15%, and 9% of mean measured yields for NE, SD, and ND, respectively. Sensitivity analysis with temperature and rainfall demonstrated variations in potential yields under different climate change scenarios. The ALMANAC model shows promise as a useful tool for switchgrass evaluation and management in the northern Great Plains and in similar regions elsewhere.