Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2004

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Plant Science

First Advisor

Vance Owens

Abstract

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been used as a pasture, conservation, and most recently, a biomass energy crop and has also been grown in mixtures with big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash]. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the effects of harvest timing, and N rate on yield and biomass characteristics of monoculture switchgrass stands and warm-season grass mixtures, and 2) evaluate the impact of harvest management on species composition and persistence over time. Five N rates (annual spring application of 0, 56, 112, and 224 kg ha- 1 and 224 kg ha- 1 evenly split between spring and fall), two harvest timings (annthesis and post-killing frost) were applied to plots in South Dakota. Harvesting after a killing frost produced higher yields and lignocellulose concentrations, along with maintaining switchgrass and big bluestem persistence. Low to moderate rates of N tended to increase total biomass_

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Grasses -- Harvesting -- South Dakota.
Panicum.
Biomass energy.
Energy crops -- South Dakota.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright