Nutrient Uptake and Concentration in Switchgrass: Is There a Difference Among Ecotypes?.

Switchgrass, Panicum virgtum, is a second-generation potential biofuel that is native to the tall grass prairies of North America.  Able to grow on marginal lands, switchgrass production may be the solution to the food versus fuel argument.  The research conducted compares two different ecotypes nutrient uptake and biomass production in order to determine the long-term sustainability and productivity with minimal inputs.  Samples were taken throughout the growing season as well as late fall and early spring to determine the greatest point at which harvest may take place while allowing for translocation of nutrients back to the root systems.  Nutrient concentrations can also be used to determine the feedstock’s quality and potential to be utilized for ethanol production.  Although continued research is needed, this data suggest that the difference in uptake and concentration of nutrients between ecotypes may be used to select which accessions are best suited for production as well as breeding programs to further enhance the potential of this promising biofuel.