Switchgrass Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer Across Diverse Environments in the USA: a Regional Feedstock Partnership Report

• DOI: 10.1007/s12155-014-9484-y
• Publication Date: 2014-06-02T10:04:26Z
• Authors: C. O. Hong; V. N. Owens; D. Bransby; R. Farris; J. Fike; E. Heaton; S. Kim; H. Mayton; R. Mitchell; D. Viands
• Keywords: Panicum virgatum; Panicum

The Regional Feedstock Partnership is a collaborative effort between the Sun Grant Initiative (through Land Universities), US Department of Energy, and Agriculture. One segment this partnership field-scale evaluation switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in diverse sites across USA. Switchgrass was planted (11.2 kg PLS ha−1) replicated plots New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Virginia 2008 Iowa 2009. Adapted cultivars were selected for each location baseline soil samples collected before planting. Nitrogen fertilizer (0, 56, 112 N applied spring beginning year after planting, harvested once annually senescence. Establishment, management, harvest operations completed using equipment. production ranged from 2 to 11.5 Mg ha−1 locations years. Yields lowest first establishment. responded positively 6 19 location/year combinations there one combination (NY Year 2) where significant negative response noted. Initial levels SD VA (significant response) highest at other three (no response). Although rate affected some measures biomass quality (N hemicellulose), had greater overall effects on all parameters evaluated. These results demonstrate importance local research proper management order reduce unnecessary expense potential environmental impacts grown bioenergy.