Wildlife Benefits of Switchgrass Production in Kentucky

Authors

S. Ray Smith, University of KentuckyFollow
Krista Lea, University of KentuckyFollow
Thomas Clarkson Keene, University of KentuckyFollow
Laura Mary Jane Schwer, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season perennial grass native to much of the United States including Kentucky (USDA). Switchgrass can be grown on marginal soils and regularly produces high biomass yields (4 to 8 tons of dry matter per acre) in Kentucky. Switchgrass varieties are broadly classified into two ecotypes: lowland and upland. Lowland varieties, such as ‘Alamo,’ typically produce higher yields, while upland varieties, such as ‘Cave-in-Rock’ and ‘Kanlow,’ generally have higher forage quality.

Publication Date

7-2016

Publication Number

AGR-221

Repository Citation

Smith, S. Ray; Lea, Krista; Keene, Thomas Clarkson; and Schwer, Laura Mary Jane, "Wildlife Benefits of Switchgrass Production in Kentucky" (2016). Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications. 95.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/anr_reports/95