Overview: Switchgrass in New Hampshire -

I am starting a Pilot Project (first in NH that I know of) to grow two acres of 'Cave-In-Rock' Switchgrass as a Biomass product for creating fuel pellets. I expect to yield 8-12 tons on my two acres. Switchgrass is harvested after first frost and is cut and baled like hay and is processed in a pellet mill to produce pellets that can be burned in a pellet stove for heat. It is estimated that pelletized Switchgrass could yield as much as a 14:1 energy out/in ratio, as it is a naturally growing perrenial prairie grass that once covered the entire western prairie states and requires no pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation. I hope to start a Co-Op of Switchgrass growers in my local area to share the cost of a commercial pellet mill so we can do our own pelletizing locally.

Methodology: Soil Prep and Seeding - Project started May 2008 -

Soil was tested at pH 6.8 which is ideal. Fields were roto tilled three times then the soil was compressed using a steel roller. 34 lbs of seed were ordered from Ernst Conservation Seeds with a germination rate of 66% and half was used, remainder for fill in and backup. Seeds were broadcast using a hand crank grass seed spreader (easy enough for just two acres), an automatic spreader is required for larger fields. Soil was rolled again to ensure good seed to soil contact. Soil prep and planting methods were followed according to recommendations by the University of Iowa Switchgrass Seeding Document. First season growth is not cut but allowed to over winter. Second season growth will be cut for biomass content in October 2009. Switchgrass provides good cover for small animals and game birds. Close observation will determine if it provides forrage for deer. If it does, perhaps they will leave the vegetable garden alone. Updates and field reports will be forthcoming. I want to make it clear that I have no background or experience in Agriculture or Farming, so if I can do this, anyone can.

Progress:

Seeding was done three weeks ago, it is now May 30th and not a drop of rain. There is virtually not a single sprout or blade of Switchgrass coming up so the seed is either lying dormant or not germinating due to drought conditions and I have possibly just provided a $170 gourmet meal for our fine feathered friends. Some rain due tomorrow (1/4 inch, not enough) but we'll see. More drought conditions for the next week. These are the chances one takes with planting a 'crop'.

Mid June now and we've had over an inch of rain and a few mid 80 degree days in a row and there is some (1%) germination and new shoots appearing over the western third of the plot with some 6" growth. The eastern third required recompacting and some reseeding, waiting for results.

First of July, we had 5.5" rain in June and only a few days in the 80s. I redid a broadcast spread of another 6 pounds of seed two weeks ago and there are only the initial two patches of seedlings. Now the field is being overtaken with crabgrass. The eastern 3/4 acre field is still bare dirt - no weeds and no seedlings at all. I am disappointed and frustrated, but after talking to the folks at Ernst Conservation Seeds, they keep saying just be patient it will grow. They also said it is now too late to replant as the seedlings won't get big enough to survive the winter, so I'm stuck with what I have until late next spring. I have about 14 lbs of seed left that I can put down if I need to next year.

Links to More Switchgrass Information

Dell Point Pellet Stoves
BHS Developing Pellet Mill
Kansas State Univ - Prairie Grass Pelleting
Virginia Tech Switchgrass Mgmt
AgMRC Switchgrass Profile
NRBP Paper on Switchgrass
Vermont Agrifuels
Short Movie Clip on Switchgrass in Canada


Pilot Project Pictures - Updated as Project Progresses

View Pictures here