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Switchgrass is a perennial C4 grass native to North America, where it occurs naturally from 55º N latitude to deep into Mexico. It is used for soil conservation, forage production, as an ornamental grass and more recently as a biomass crop for ethanol, fibre, electricity and heat production. As biomass increases in importance in Europe it is expected that switchgrass can play an important role in supplying sustainably produced lignocellulosic biomass. One of the main attractive features being low establishment costs and high productivity under low input conditions. Recent European research has led to sufficient results to merit publication of a management guide. In this guide all aspects necessary to produce switchgrass from variety choice, site selection, establishment, nutritional requirements, pest management, economics, harvest options, to application for energy or fibre are discussed. |
