The Management and Use of Switchgrass in Georgia

Dennis W. Hancock, Extension Forage Agronomist
Crop and Soil Sciences

• Description
• Management Recommendations for Switchgrass Production
• Plant Characteristics
• Variety Selection
• Planting Recommendations
• Soil Fertility Recommendations
• Harvesting
• Maintenance of Switchgrass Stands for Wildlife
• Additional Resources

Switchgrass is a native warm season (NWS) perennial grass that can be grown throughout Georgia and most of the United States. Its primary use in Georgia has been for wildlife and conservation purposes. Recently, switchgrass has attracted attention as a potential bioenergy crop. High yields of biomass with relatively few inputs make switchgrass a favorable choice for bioenergy production. In contrast, the use of switchgrass in pastures and hayfields in Georgia is limited because other introduced species (e.g., bermudagrass, bahiagrass, tall fescue, etc.) are more easily managed for high yields and forage quality.

This publication provides basic information about switchgrass and its use as a bioenergy crop, forage crop, and wildlife habitat. A companion Web site (https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/species-and-varieties/warm-season/switchgrass.html) also serves as a directory that links to other online resources about switchgrass, its uses, and relevant research and policy issues.

Description

Switchgrass is a native warm season (NWS) perennial grass that is often grown as a forage crop, natural wildlife habitat, or, increasingly, as a bioenergy crop. Switchgrass can grow more than 10 feet tall, and well-managed stands may last for decades. Once switchgrass is established, its bunch-type growth habit makes it very competitive with weeds; however, it is not considered invasive.

Switchgrass naturally spans throughout much of the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains. As a result of this habitat diversity, the switchgrass species has two major ecotypes: upland and lowland. Most of the recent research has focused on the lowland ecotype because of its high yield potential (often above 8 tons per acre) in the Southeast. Lowland varieties are also better adapted to the soils and conditions in this region. Switchgrass can grow in nearly all well- or moderately well-drained sites in Georgia. Although switchgrass does best in fertile soils, it is widely adapted to extreme soil pH (5.0–8.0), low soil P (> 10 ppm or 20 lb/acre), low soil K (> 90 ppm or 180 lb/acre), and is also drought tolerant.

 

Management Recommendations for Switchgrass Production

Successful establishment and maintenance of productive switchgrass stands require significant management by the producer/landowner. Further, the end goal for the stand (i.e., whether it will be for biomass, forage, or wildlife habitat) can dictate the management and inputs required. This section presents management recommendations for switchgrass production.

Plant Characteristics

Switchgrass produces short rhizomes and has a "clumpy" or bunch-type growth habit. As a warm season species, it produces most of its growth in the summer months. However, it will initiate growth in April and continue growing until late September or October.

Several distinguishing features help identify switchgrass, including:

• flat leaf blades with rough margins;
• a round, smooth, and split leaf sheath with hairy margins;
• the ligule is a fringe of hairs;
• no auricles are present; and
• an open panicle seed head (inflorescence) that is 15–20 in. long.

 

Variety Selection

One very important aspect of switchgrass that should be understood when selecting a variety is that there are two distinct categories (i.e., ecotypes): lowland and upland. Lowlands are tall, coarse plants with exceptionally superior yield potential (30–50% higher than uplands in the southern U.S.). Lowlands are native to areas that have higher rainfall and mild winter temperatures (i.e., a climate that is more like Georgia). As a result, only lowland varieties are recommended for new switchgrass plantings in Georgia.

In contrast to the lowland varieties, uplands are shorter in stature and have lower yield potential. Uplands are generally more common to drier, colder areas of North America (e.g., the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and Upper Great Plains). No natural crossing occurs between these ecotype categories; therefore, upland and lowland types are reproductively distinct.

Recommended Varieties in Georgia
Piedmont and Mountain: 'EG 1102' and 'Kanlow'
Lower Piedmont and Coastal Plain: 'EG 1101' and 'Alamo'

Currently, four lowland varieties are recommended for use in Georgia: 'EG 1102' and 'Kanlow' (Piedmont and Mountain regions) and 'EG 1101' and 'Alamo' (lower Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions). The 'Alamo' and 'Kanlow' varieties were isolated from collections of plants found in the wild. Joe Bouton, emeritus professor of plant breeding at the University of Georgia, bred and developed 'EG 1101' and 'EG 1102' from these initial collections. Both 'EG 1101' and 'EG 1102' have demonstrated substantial increases in yield potential over the 'Alamo' and 'Kanlow' varieties. In general, mature stands of these varieties should produce 5 to 7 tons per acre each year. Commercial seed production has begun on these varieties in partnership with Ceres, Inc., and seed of these varieties are available for purchase.

Long-term variety trials were established in 2007 in Athens, GA, and Tifton, GA. Annual switchgrass variety trial reports will be published on the UGA Switchgrass website (https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/species-and-varieties/warm-season/switchgrass.html) once the stands become well established and data are available from three growing seasons. New lowland switchgrass varieties are currently being developed at the University of Georgia and other institutions in the South. Changes and additions to the list of recommended switchgrass varieties will also be posted on the UGA switchgrass website.

Planting Recommendations

Switchgrass has a reputation for being difficult to establish; however, if proper and timely planting procedures are performed, switchgrass can become well established in a minimal amount of time. Switchgrass seedlings are not vigorous, and their productivity during the initial year is very poor. The reason for this is not readily apparent, but could partially be due to the often very hot and dry Georgia summers. Recent experiments continue to show a need for using a pre-plant and post-plant herbicide program (see the Weed Control section), especially when using no-till methods, to give more productive stands. Management research is being performed at the University of Georgia and other institutions that will, in time, result in improved establishment practices.

"As a consequence of poor seedling vigor, many producers have failed (or at least thought they had failed) on their first attempts to establish switchgrass."

As a consequence of poor seedling vigor, many producers have failed (or at least thought they had failed) on their first attempts to establish switchgrass. There are many potential causes of switchgrass establishment failures, including planting too late, inadequate moisture at planting, incorrect planting depth, poor weed control, and excessive seed dormancy. In addition, some producers do not realize that a successful stand of switchgrass will look quite thin during establishment (especially relative to other grasses such as annual ryegrass, tall fescue, bermudagrass, etc.). Consequently, a successful establishment may be destroyed on the assumption that it was a failure.

Timing

Switchgrass should not be planted until the soil temperature is consistently above 65 °F — usually in late April or early May. Seeding too early will result in the loss of some seed due to decay and herbivory, and increases competition from early-germinating weeds. Seeding after mid-May increases the risk of drought damage to the new stand. Late summer (August to September) seedings have been tried with some success, but we are still assessing the reliability of that method and do not recommend it at this time. Regardless of the planting timing, ensure that sufficient soil moisture is present at the time of seeding to get the crop started.

Planting Method

Switchgrass can be planted using a no-till drill or drilled into a well-prepared seedbed with a conventional drill. Switchgrass is best established by creating a tilled, firm seedbed and using a cultipacker to firm the soil around the broadcasted or drilled seed. Unlike some NWS grasses that have "fluffy" appendages on the seed, switchgrass is smooth seeded and can be planted with most modern drills. The no-till establishment method is the most common because it is more cost-effective and reduces the potential for erosion at the establishment site.

"It is vital to not plant switchgrass seeds any deeper than ½ in."

A planting depth of ¼ to ½ in. is recommended. It is vital to not plant switchgrass seeds any deeper than ½ in. The seeding rate for switchgrass is 5–6 lb of pure live seed (PLS) per acre for forage and biomass crops. When planting for wildlife, reduce the seeding rate by 50–60% (e.g., 2-3 lb PLS per acre). It is very important to adjust the seeding rate for PLS for each new seed lot that is used, since PLS varies from one seed lot to another. Information needed to correct for PLS is found on the seed tag. More on calculating PLS can be found on the UGA Georgia Forages website: https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/species-and-varieties/warm-season/switchgrass/management.html#planting.

Weed Control

Switchgrass often takes several months to become well-established, and full establishment may take as much as 2 years. Weed control during this time is essential. Unfortunately, very few herbicides are currently available for controlling weeds when establishing switchgrass; therefore, sites with heavy weed infestations should be avoided.

Site selection and preparation can aid weed control. Avoid fields that have competing perennial grasses like Johnsongrass and bermudagrass. These grasses should be well-controlled before site preparation begins.

Conventionally prepared seedbeds have generally resulted in better switchgrass stands in Georgia. To prepare the site, destroy the existing vegetation by spraying with the non-selective herbicide glyphosate (e.g., Roundup, Gly-4 Plus, etc.), then plow, disc, and pack the seedbed at least one month prior to planting. Then, after the weeds have germinated and emerged, apply a second application of glyphosate within 4 days of planting.

When no-till establishment methods are to be used, spray the area with glyphosate (e.g., Roundup, Gly-4 Plus, etc.) at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance of planting (1) and then again within 4 days of planting. Preliminary research and on-farm experience indicate that no-till plantings of switchgrass generally suffer less weed pressure than when switchgrass is planted into conventionally prepared seedbeds. However, this is not always the case.

Mowing is usually necessary during the establishment year. Mow the stand to a cutting height of 6 to 8 in. when weeds reach a height of 18 to 24 in. This will reduce weed competition and improve stand establishment. The mowing may need to be repeated later in the establishment year; however, do not mow after September 1 so the stand can develop sufficient root reserves before overwintering.

Several herbicides are being evaluated for use during the establishment phase; however, few herbicides are currently labeled for widespread use. Many broadleaf weeds can be controlled using 2,4-D amine or metsulfuron (e.g., Cimarron) once switchgrass reaches the four-leaf stage. However, competition with other grasses is often much more severe during the establishment year than competition from broadleaf weeds.

No nitrogen (N) should be applied during the establishment year to prevent competition from grassy weeds. In Tennessee, a Section-18 label for Accent (nicosulfuron) has been approved to control certain grassy weeds during establishment, and may be approved for use in other states. In non-cropland (i.e., wildlife habitat or non-grazed areas), Outrider (sulfosulfuron) can be used to control Johnsongrass and yellow nutsedge once switchgrass reaches the four-leaf stage. Once switchgrass becomes well-established, very little weed control is typically required. For more information on current weed control options, see the Georgia Pest Management Handbook or consult with your local county Extension agent.

(1) If planting into a stand of tall fescue, the first application of glyphosate should be applied in the autumn prior to a spring establishment.

Soil Fertility Recommendations

Biomass/Bioenergy Production

Switchgrass that is harvested for biomass/bioenergy can result in many nutrients being removed from the soil. However, if the biomass is not harvested until the plant has gone completely dormant (late November or later in the fall or winter), many of the nutrients within the plant will have been remobilized and transported to the roots for overwintering.

As a result, soil testing should be done every 3 to 5 years to ensure that the soil is maintained at a pH of 5.5 and does not fall below adequate levels of phosphorus (P₂O₅ > 10 ppm or 20 lb/A), potassium (K₂O > 90 ppm or 180 lb/A), and other nutrients. More information on the fertilization rates that will be required to meet specific soil fertility goals can be found on the University of Georgia's Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories' Website (http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/) and in their "UGFertex" database (http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/ugf.htm).

Stands of switchgrass grown as a biomass/bioenergy crop should receive 50 to 75 lb of nitrogen (N) per acre each year. This should be applied within 2 weeks of spring green-up. The nitrogen requirement of switchgrass for biomass may be at least partly met through the use of N-fixing winter annual legumes.

Forage Production

Switchgrass that is harvested as hay will result in many nutrients being removed from the soil. Thus, adequate soil fertility needs to be maintained to avoid yield loss. Soils in switchgrass hay fields should be maintained at a pH of 5.5 or greater and with medium soil test P and K values. These stands should receive 40 to 60 lb of N per acre at green-up. If soil moisture is adequate and additional forage is desired, additional applications of up to 60 lb of N per acre should be applied after each subsequent hay harvest (except after the last cutting of the season).

Switchgrass can be grazed if the manager carefully prevents grazing below heights of 8 in. This will require some level of grazing management and rotation. The N rate on grazed switchgrass pastures should be 30 to 40 lb at green-up and after each subsequent grazing (if soil moisture is adequate).

Grassoline? Really?

Crop scientists, engineers, and economists from around the U.S. have studied the potential of producing biofuel from switchgrass, and their results been promising. Though the technology and infrastructure to support the production, transportation, and conversion of switchgrass biomass into a biofuel is still on the horizon, some pilot projects are underway. For example, the University of Tennessee, Genera Energy, and DuPont-Danisco have partnered on a new switchgrass-to-ethanol pilot facility in Vonore, Tenn. They broke ground on this plant in October 2008. Several farmers within a 50-mile radius of this eastern Tennessee plant have been contracted to produce switchgrass for this project. The initiative's plans are to have as many as 6,500 acres of switchgrass in that area by the end of 2010 (see www.UTbioenergy.org for more details on this initiative).

Wildlife

Though it is not as high-yielding when soil fertility is low, switchgrass is very tolerant of low fertility. Even so, if switchgrass is grown for wildlife purposes, some soil amendments may be necessary to maintain medium soil test P and K values and the soil pH at 5.0 or greater. Little, if any, additional N will be necessary.

Harvesting

Biomass/Bioenergy Production

For biomass production, switchgrass can be harvested as a one- or two-cut system. However, since there is not typically a total yield advantage for the two-cut system and the two-cut system results in more nutrient removal per acre, the one-cut system is likely to be the most economically advantageous. In the one-cut system, the switchgrass is harvested once, several days (or weeks) after the first killing frost.

Regardless of system, switchgrass should be cut at 8 in. high. The taller stubble will help allow the tires on the harvest equipment to roll over the crop stubble and reduce the chances of punctured and damaged tires. This taller stubble height also has been shown to improve stand survival and vigor as the stand ages.

Currently, switchgrass biomass is harvested with conventional hay equipment (large round or rectangular balers). This is desirable because it utilizes existing equipment for producing, handling, storing, and transporting the biomass. It is worth noting, however, that baling switchgrass biomass with equipment from the hay enterprise results in additional maintenance, repairs, and downtime with this equipment.

When Will Farmers Sell Switchgrass for Bioenergy?

The choice to grow dedicated energy crops such as switchgrass is based on simple economics. The economic viability of switchgrass for bioenergy will be determined by a combination of variables (e.g., market demand, input requirements and costs, government support programs, and the alternative use of the land). Despite years of research and the development of improved biofuel feedstocks through government research programs, little has been done to definitively establish these economics. Some pilot projects are underway at the local level (e.g., the switchgrass-to-ethanol facility in Vonore, Tenn.). Regardless, it would be wise to plan to use switchgrass as a dual-purpose crop: forage and potential bioenergy.

Forage Production

Switchgrass has very unique characteristics that make it useful as both hay and pasture. First, it is among the earliest warm season grasses to break winter dormancy, with growth beginning in early March in south Georgia. This vegetative growth is also very high in nutritional quality (60–70% TDN and 10–12% crude protein), but quality can drop quickly once the forage begins to mature. Thus, grazing or hay cuttings should be performed at the boot stage of maturity to ensur an optimum balance between yield and quality. This generally will occur in early June.

It is critical to avoid making a first cutting that is too late. In addition to the rapid decline in forage quality, total forage yield may be impacted if the first cutting is delayed too late. Recent research throughout the Southeast has shown that just over half of the total seasonal yield of switchgrass will occur before late June. Therefore, the timing and method of forage harvests/grazings should be performed in a way that takes advantage of this growth distribution.

In addition to cutting the forage at the appropriate stage of growth, the forage must not be cut below an 8-in. cutting height. Cutting or grazing the forage at this level (or higher) will leave sufficient residual leaf area to allow for rapid regrowth. In addition, cutting below this 8-in. level risks damage to the growing point of the switchgrass plant. The quality of switchgrass declines rapidly once the forage begins to mature.

CAUTION: There is some evidence to suggest that horses may exhibit excessive hair loss and sensitivity to sunlight when consuming switchgrass hay. The causal agent remains undiscovered. Therefore, at this time, switchgrass is not recommended as hay for horses.

Maintenance of Switchgrass Stands for Wildlife

Switchgrass stands that are designated as wildlife habitat will require the manager to periodically maintain the stand. This is necessary to set back the encroachment of woody and undesirable species and to maintain an open structure at ground level. Periodic removal of the biomass by the previously described harvesting methods, burning, or mowing and discing can maintain the stand's ability to provide habitat to wildlife. However, this removal of biomass must be timed appropriately to ensure that wildlife are only minimally affected by this process. (Note: Burning or mowing and discing are not recommended within 1 year of establishment.)

Burning

A controlled fire can be used to destroy the residual biomass.; however, this should be performed before spring green-up in late February (south Georgia) or mid-March (north Georgia). Removing the biomass at this time will have a minimal effect on grassland wildlife species (birds, rabbits, etc.). If woody shrubs or trees have begun to invade the area, the prescribed burn should take place just after bud break.

In addition controlling plant species diversity, prescribed fires increase the availability of nutrients and can stimulate early spring green-up and faster growth. However, prescribed fires can be dangerous, especially for stands of switchgrass that have produced a lot of biomass (i.e., fuel for the fire).

 

It is critically important to follow proper prescribed burning procedures. A detailed resource for proper burning procedures, "Use of Fire in Bermudagrass Management," is produced by Auburn University (https://ssl.acesag.auburn.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0989/ANR-0989-archive.pdf). Although this publication was written for burning-off bermudagrass hayfields, the principles and methods are very similar for stands of NWS grasses like switchgrass.

Outdoor burning bans (periodic or permanent) are in place in some areas; therefore, it is critical to contact the state forestry commission to ensure compliance with these ordinances. The Georgia Forestry Commission's (GFC) online burn permit system (https://gatrees.org/burn-permits-and-notifications/) and 1-877-OK2-BURN phone system indicate whether or not burning is legal in a given county. Furthermore, each area's local GFC professional should also be able help advise you of the current burn ban status in your area.

Mowing and Discing

If burning is not a viable option, periodically mowing ("bushhogging") and discing the stand can produce similar results. However, mowing should NOT be done without discing (or burning) because the residual litter will negatively impact the habitat for wildlife, reduce the stand, and tie-up nutrients. Discing can be done without mowing the stand first, but may need to be done on a more regular basis (each year or every 2 years). Discing alone will also require additional trips across the field, especially if a highly-productive lowland variety of switchgrass is used.

Mowing and discing is often best done in blocks or strips. It is recommended to do 1/3 of the field each year. In this way, the whole area will have been subjected to maintenance over a 3-year period. Be sure that the areas are situated across the slope. This will avoid discing up and down the slope, which can increase the risk of soil erosion.

Additional information on maintaining switchgrass stands for wildlife habitat can be found in a book produced by the University of Tennessee titled "Native Warm-Season Grasses: Identification, Establishment and Management for Wildlife and Forage Production in the Mid-South" (http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/wildlife/default.asp#grasses).

Additional Resources

One of the most comprehensive management guides for switchgrass production can be found at http://www.blade-energy.com/Bladepdf/Blade_Switchgrass_Crop_Guide_2009.pdf. This handbook includes some of the latest findings from current and ongoing research and includes region-specific recommendations.

Though this management guide was commissioned by a private company, it was written by researchers from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and South Dakota University and edited by other leading researchers in this field. While it places an emphasis on Blade Energy Crop™ varieties, these are the same varieties that we recommend in Georgia.

Additional links to more information on the management of switchgrass can be found on the Related Links page (https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/species-and-varieties/warm-season/switchgrass/related-links.html) of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension's switchgrass website (https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/species-and-varieties/warm-season/switchgrass.html).

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Status and Revision History
Published on Oct 13, 2009
Published with Full Review on Oct 01, 2012
Published with Full Review on Mar 28, 2017