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SWITCHGRASS PRODUCTION FOR SMALL FARMS AND MARGINAL LANDS IN NEW JERSEY: AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCE AND HAY CROP

Applied Research

William Hlubik
County Agent 1, Professor
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
North Brunswick

Abstract

\r\n    Research trials focused on growing switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a native perennial grass, as an energy crop and as a mulch hay crop for New Jersey Growers.  The cultivars  Alamo, Carthage, Kanlow, High Tide, and Timber were tested at the Extension Center in South Brunswick, NJ.  Seeding was done on  July 13, 2010 with a Great Plains no-till planter in cereal rye stubble.  Recommended rates of  herbicides and fertilizers were utilized at establishment. Each plot was 21 feet by 150 feet and replicated 4 times in a completely randomized block design.  Establishment data was collected by using a standard frequency grid (Vogel and Masters 2001).   Alamo, Carthage and Kanlow exhibited significantly  faster germination and initial establishment rates than Timber and High Tide.   Plot subsections 3 feet by 20 feet were harvested on August 15, 2011.   Alamo and Timber had significantly higher yields than High Tide.  Alamo had significantly higher yields than Carthage.   The plots were bailed on December 5, 2011 with a New Holland Hayliner string baler.    Bales averaged 35 pounds at a range of 12 to 14% moisture. Switchgrass bales were ground up in a Toro tub grinder in February 2012  and hauled to a local farmer for pelletizing.   Pellets are currently being tested for use in a Maxim® Wood Pellet and Corn furnace for heating a farm shop and home and will be compared with corn and wood pellets.  Economic analysis and value of energy use versus hay products will be evaluated.   

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: W.T. Hlubik, J. Baculis, S. Bonos, Z. Helsel, R. Weidman
  1. Hlubik, W. Agriculture Agent 1-Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJAES, New Jersey, 08902
  2. Baculis, J. Graduate Student, Plant Science Dept., Rutgers University, New Jersey, 08901
  3. Bonos, S. Specialist Plant Breeding, Rutgers Unviversity NJAES, New Jersey, 08901
  4. Helsel, Z. Specialist in Bioenergy Crops, Rutgers University NJAES, New Jersey, 08901
  5. Weidman, R. Program Associate, Agriculture, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJAES, New Jersey, 08902