Establishment and Early Growth of Miscanthus Sinensis Under Soil Limiting Conditions.

Miscanthus sinensis has been intensively studied in Europe, and is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. It is an Asian perennial grass originally used for ornamental purposes, and is now observed for potential fuel production. So much interest in this plant has arisen in the last decade due to its broad growing range, relatively low cost/input after establishment, and significantly higher biomass production rates compared with other biofuel crops.

The first and second year of Miscanthus establishment was studied at the WVU Organic Research Farm. The effect of five residual compost application rates (0, 9, 18, 36, and 73 Mg/ha) and two winter mulches (high C:N straw and low C:N hay), on Miscanthus growth was studied in an alternative cropping system.  We hypothesized that plant establishment/growth will increase with increasing residual fertility levels and with low C:N hay mulch application, however, establishment will still be successful in all residual fertility levels. Miscanthus establishment experiment was studied using a completely randomized factorial experiment. The factors were residual fertility (five levels) and mulch type (two levels) with four replications. Soil and plant physical and chemical characteristics were measured to determine the establishment properties of Miscanthus. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, PROC CORR, and PROC REG) were used to determine functional relationships between independent and response variables. Results showed statistically significant differences in soil quality indicators, improving soil quality in relation to increasing compost treatments. Miscanthus yield increased with increasing compost application, however, the best plants in terms of nutrition status and physical characteristics were observed in plots treated with lower rates of compost. First year average dry biomass yield were 3.5, 4.5, 5.0, 7.2, and 7.4 Mg/ha for residual compost applications of 0, 9, 18, 36, and 73 Mg/ha respectively. Further studies will be conducted to determine which plant material has the best fuel capabilities to be considered the “cleanest” and best fuel source.