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 Native to Asia Loren Forrest, Luverne, MN Miscanthus Grower/ Project Partner
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 = % [EERC] Fall Miscanthus Field Day -- [showing first years growth]
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
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
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