Switchgrass

Description

Tall-growing perennial native warm-season bunchgrass. Deep-rooted rhizomatous grass. Some varieties tolerant of wet sites. Grows 3 to 7 feet tall.

Uses

Hay, pasture, wildlife.

Advantages

Drought tolerant, grows on poorly drained soils, seed is easy to handle in conventional seeders. Efficient user of nitrogen. Good summer growth.

Disadvantages

Slow establishment and low seedling vigor. Poor animal acceptance when mature. Short growing season. Not tolerant of close, continuous grazing. Major growth occurs while cool-season forages are also productive.

Seeding

Rate: 6-10 lb/a PLS*
Depth: ¼-½ in
Date: Apr 15-Jun 1

Harvest

First harvest: Jun 1-Jun 15
Annual yield: 3-5 tons dry matter/a