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Feasibility of Growing Miscanthus in Minnesota – RD - 27

Feasibility of Growing Miscanthus in Minnesota – RD - 27. Linda Meschke, Rural Advantage, Project Director July 13, 2010. Background Information. Miscanthus x giganteus Perennial 12 to 14 feet tall Yields 14–20 Tons per Acre Sterile Seed Produces Rhizomes Pest Resistance Not Invasive

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Feasibility of Growing Miscanthus in Minnesota – RD - 27

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  1. Feasibility of Growing Miscanthus in Minnesota – RD - 27 Linda Meschke, Rural Advantage, Project Director July 13, 2010

  2. Background Information • Miscanthus x giganteus • Perennial • 12 to 14 feet tall • Yields 14–20 Tons per Acre • Sterile Seed • Produces Rhizomes • Pest Resistance • Not Invasive • Native to Asia Loren Forrest, Luverne, MN Miscanthus Grower/ Project Partner

  3. Highlights • Established about 10 acres of miscanthus • Yes, it can survive winter • Needs protection first year • Yield = ~ 12 ton/acre • Transplants established faster than rhizomes • Issues with slag when gasified • Btu’s = ~ 7,500 • Ash = 11.84 % [EERC] Fall Miscanthus Field Day -- [showing first years growth]

  4. Lessons Learned • Difficult to collect the rhizomes for commercial scale plantings • Planter Development • 5 foot spacing allows for growth and maintenance • Needs winter protection the first year [mulch] • How to do this at a commercial scale • Spring harvest increases plant vitality

  5. Lessons Learned [continued] • Genetic improvement could improve winter survival • Transplant availability at a commercial scale??? • Could economically compete with corn • Need to better understand the most efficient method for conversion to biofuel or bioproducts Photos: U of IL-Urbana-Champaign & Emily Heaton

  6. Benefits Gained • Could be a viable dedicated energy crop for Minnesota • Yield, Yield, Yield • Less inputs compared to corn • Can be managed in a “corn mindset” • Positive environmental footprint

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