Biomass Production and Nutrient Removal By Potential Biofuel Grasses Grown on Sprayfields.

This project determined yield and nutrient removals associated with several potential grass alternatives to the commonly planted bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon) (L.) Pers.] on sprayfields fertilized with lagoon effluent from adjacent swine farms. Three commercial farm cooperators in Duplin, Sampson, and Wayne county hosted large-scale replicated experiments. Results demonstrate the potential for higher productivity and nutrient removal levels by several alternative grass species, Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus Greef & Deuter), Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and both forage and sweet sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.). Results characterize variability among sites as well as interactions between species and cutting schedules, in productivity and nutrient removal during the first five years after establishment of the perennial species.