Miscanthus Giganteus Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) is a large warm-season Asian grass, and a new leading biomass crop in the United States. Experience in Europe suggests giant miscanthus will be productive over a wide geographic range in temperate regions, including marginal land, but is not appropriate for arid regions. Small trials in the midwestern United States indicate giant miscanthus can yield more than two times more biomass than traditional switchgrass varieties. Fertility requirements need further investigation but appear minimal if the crop is allowed to complete senescence and nutrient translocation before the annual harvest. Weed control is essential during establishment (one to three years), then typically not required again. Stands are expected to last 15 to 20 years, depending on management. Recently established public and private trials around the United States are supporting a wave of research and commercial development. Seeded varieties of miscanthus are being developed, but closely scrutinized for invasive potential. If giant miscanthus can achieve the same yields at field scale that have been realized in research plots, enough biomass could be produced to meet U.S. renewable commitments on only the land area currently devoted to corn grain ethanol. This is what is planted here and will grow to around 15 feet high.
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