Introduction:

Micanthus (Miscanthus X Giganteus) is a "woody" perenial grass of Asian descent, that when established, will grow about 111/2 feet yearly. It produces new shoots annually which appear similar to thin bamboo cane, averaging around 3/8" in diameter. Miscanthus x giganteus is a sterile triploid (three sets of chromosomes) formed by a natural cross of miscanthus sacchariflorus and miscanthus sinesis. Because it is sterile it is propogated by rhizome division. The crop is established by planting pieces of the root (rhizomes), which are cut to about 4" in length. The cold hardy grass grows rapidly (C4 photosynthesis), has low nutrient requirements, has few pests or diseases and produces high yeilds.

Miscanthus' photosynthetic mechanism appears to be better adapted to low temperatures than that of many other C4 crops, equipping it for high productivity under relatively cool temperatures. At full maturity it can yeild up to 12 tons of dry material per acre (about fourth year on). There are higher yields being reported yearly. It shows great potential as a biomass crop. As with other bio-energy crops, the harvested dry stems may be used as fuel for heat, electricity or converted to ethanol.

Establishment:

The rhizomes are planted about 4" deep into a well prepared seed bed in the spring as soon as soil is workable. A little deeper if the soil moisture level is low. Europe has been working miscanthus for over ten years. They plant at one plant per square meter for establishment. Here in the U.S. we are planting at one rhizome per square yard - three foot plant spacing in rows three feet apart. That rate would require approximately 4,850 plants per acre. Row layout and density is up to the grower based upon a field planted to be lifted in two years (denser) or for establishment. Also, a field planted to match equipment already owned for cultivation could change row width and spacing. Good yields can be achieved on a wide range of soils but the key to high tonnage is moisture supply. A wide range of PH is tolerated but growth is best between 5.5 and 7.5 PH. Sandy or free draining soils only yeild well if rainfall is adequate so should be avoided if possible.

This is a crop that will produce for 15-plus years so consider your site selection carefully. Thorough site preparation, particularly weed control is essential to ensure vigorous establishment. Also, water the crop (if possible) following planting and continue to irrigate the first year if necessary. Weeds can check growth the first two years of establishment. Glyphosate based herbicides can be used in the dormant period between harvest and initiation of spring growth. Miscanthus is in the grass family like corn. Common corn herbicides- Dual, Atrazine, 2D, 4D - for weed control have successfully been used.

Fertilizer demands are low due to the plant's efficient nutrient use and its ability to pull nutrient back down to the rhizomes at the end of each growing season. Almost every year, decomposition of the leaves, rhizome nutrient reserves, and atmosphere deposition will meet the crops nutrient requirements. After the first year, only small quantities of nutrients will be needed every two to four years to help maintain good yields.

Harvesting:

The crop is normally harvested from year two onwards as yields continue to improve until the yield levels off around the 5th or 6th year. The first year crop is not worth harvesting and can be left standing or cut and laid down to help protect the first year rhizomes from hard freezes. We mow the first year crop about six weeks after first frost to let the rhizomes pull nutrients back down to help with spring growth. During the winter the freestanding stems continue to shed leaves and moisture. A late winter or spring harvest improves fuel quality by giving the cain a low mineral and water content.

Also, a large advantage of a late winter harvest is being able to harvest a biomass crop at around 15% moisture. Force drying biomass crops for storage and usage is energy intensive and costly. Methods of harvesting differ depending on whether the end user needs baled or chipped material. Energy end users will generally need bales. Also, bales allow the crop the further dry with no additional energy input.

Sales:

We will be lifting rhizomes this next spring and shipping while they are still dormant. Miscanthus will start its spring growth when your soil temperatures rize to 60°F.

Miscanthus Rhizomes
Quantity	Price
1 - 99	$1.50 each
100 - 999	0.70 each
1,000 - 1,999	0.65 each
2,000 - 3,999	0.42 each
4,000 - 19,999	0.37 each
20,000 +	Please Call

Please call or email for more information or to inquire about ordering rhizomes.

Thanks to all of our customer this spring.

There are no longer any dormant rhizomes left to lift.

We are now taking advance orders for the 2013 season.

Spring 2013 orders will be shipping approximately April 1, 2013.

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