SwitchgrassSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Common Names: None known

General Information:

Switchgrass is a native, warm-season perennial grass. Foliage of mature plants is between 3-5 feet in height with some varieties growing as tall as 10 feet on rich soil sites. Switchgrass is both sod and bunch forming; sod forms are found in lowlands while bunch-forming types are generally found in the uplands.

The grass adapts to most sites with very little difficulty. Root systems that are extensive and deep allow the plant to reach for moisture in the driest years. This root system also allows the plant to tolerate extra moisture and inundation for short periods of time without seriously affecting the plant.

Switchgrass generally produces abundant seed. Natural stands may produce as much as 100 pounds per acre and cultivated stands often produce three times that much. The seed itself is small and hard, unlike the chaffy seed of many native grasses. Switchgrass is a favorite of many who establish native grass stands because a conventional seeder can be used for planting.

Thick stands of Switchgrass provide excellent nesting and brood cover for upland birds. In areas subject to ice and snow, Switchgrass is favored for its ability to withstand the elements without breaking over completely, thus creating pockets of protection for birds and small mammals.

In the tall grass prairie region, Switchgrass is generally most abundant on low-lying areas that receive some upslope moisture. Switchgrass can be found growing in brackish water, on dunes along lakeshores, and in oak and pine savannas. It is tolerant of moderate soil salinity and acidity. Switchgrass can be found growing on sites that range from 4.5 to 7.6 pH.

But, Switchgrass can become overly aggressive. It spreads easily and quickly, often taking over a stand of native grass if planted at an inappropriate rate. The species is greatly dependant on soil temperature to begin its growth and begins spring growth a week to ten days later than other natives such as Big Bluestem and Indiangrass. It is often used for forage and hay for livestock, but the palatability of the grass becomes less as the plant matures.

Wildlife plantings, roadside development and erosion control are some of the few uses of Switchgrass. Some seeded waterways are now being planted with Switchgrass, and many levees along the major waterways are seeded in Switchgrass. The extensive root system insures a more than adequate structure to stabilize dikes and waterways under all but the most adverse conditions.

Establishment:

  1. For the best conservation practice, no-till the seed into the stubble of a previous crop or the existing stand of another species that has been successfully eradicated. Pay close attention to previous land use practices. If a row crop has been planted for many years in succession a herbicide carryover is possible. 

  2. If you feel you must plow up the site before planting, prepare your seed bed like you would for any other crop. The seed beds needs to be firm, not fluffy, so the seed will not be planted at an inappropriate depth. Use a cultipacker to firm your bed or some other type of roller that will create a smooth planting area that is not too hard.

  3. Plant the seed no more than ½ inch deep. Emerging seedlings lack the strength to push through too much overlying soil. More seed has been lost to poor planting practices than anything else; this is especially true of seed depth.

  4. If weeds are a problem or a potential problem, consider using a herbicide recommended for warm season grasses. WE MAKE NO RECOMMENDATIONS. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY. DO NOT TANK MIX A PESTICIDE WITH A HERBICIDE. REMEMBER MORE IS NOT NECESSARILY BETTER.

  5. You can broadcast the seed onto a prepared seedbed. Roll Lightly. 

Management:

  1. If grazing, begin grazing when Switchgrass is 8 to 10 inches tall. Keep plant 8 to 16 inches in height, then remove livestock for 30 to 45 days. Any re-growth can be grazed again, but no shorter than 8 inches.

  2. Switchgrass can be hayed. This should be done long before seedstalks develop; after this point nutrient levels and palatability become unacceptable with animals often refusing to eat it.

  3. We do not recommend the use of fertilizer the first year, at least not nitrogen. Moderate levels of phosphorus and potassium are beneficial, especially for root establishment, which is the primary activity of the plant the first year. Use a soil test to help you decide the rate. Fertilizer may be applied the second year to enhance vigor and production of forage. It is not necessary to fertilize at all, but stand strength may be compromised without it.

  4. We recommend a controlled burn every 1-3 years if possible. If not, then a mowing pattern should be established in order to control woody species invasion and prevent thatch build up. If you mow, mow no lower than 8 inches and no later than August 1.

Varieties or cultivars (improved releases):

  1. Alamo was developed in Texas. The foliage is coarser than some varieties and often reaches 10 feet in height. Its late maturity date insures production into the early fall.

  2. Blackwell is a variety that produces lush foliage longer into the growing season, and is disease resistant. Heavy vigorous roots and stems make it excellent for conservation use.

  3. Cave-in-Rock originated in Illinois. It is a top choice among all the Switchgrass varieties because of its palatability and disease resistance. Cave-in-Rock Switchgrass is noted for its adaptability to the growing conditions found in the more eastern states, especially the high humidity areas. It grows best in years of average rainfall and temperature. Plants often reach over 5 feet at maturity. Late maturing, it grows best on fertile, well-drained soils.

  4. Kanlow is a lowland variety of Switchgrass that is suited to the southern two-thirds of the United States in lowland sections. It is especially well suited to poorly drained sites or areas subject to periodic flooding, but also performs well on upland soils. Young plants are succulent and are readily grazed by livestock.

  5. Nebraska 28 is a particularly well-adapted grass for the sand hills of Nebraska or similar types of soils and conditions.

  6. Pathfinder is a late maturing, winter hardy, vigorous variety of Switchgrass. Pathfinder gives superior results in stand establishment, forage and seed production.

  7. Shelter originated in New York and is used primarily for wildlife plantings and highway rights of way. It is durable and demonstrates great stability.

  8. Trailblazer is a variety of Switchgrass that refines the finest qualities of Pathfinder and adds an even greater degree of winter strength. Northern states with a harsh climate find this variety particularly suitable for their needs. It is a very palatable grass with a high T.D.N. (total digestible nutrients).

Preferred planting time:

  1. Preferred time is in the spring before June 30.

  2. Dormant planting in December-February.

  3. Planting rate is 4-6 PLS pounds per acre if in a pure stand.

  4. If in a mixture, Switchgrass should represent the lowest percentage of grasses in the mix.

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