Site Characterization in Arkansas Switchgrass Trials for Biomass Production.

Information is needed on factors affecting switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) biomass yield across a range of soil, temperature, and precipitation conditions in Arkansas to develop yield-prediction and economic models for a potential bioenergy industry using this grass. A limited number of cultivars were established in 2007 in northwest and east-central Arkansas. In 2008, cv Alamo was established in four quadrants of the state, on well-drained and poorly drained sites in each quadrant. Soil profiles were characterized in each site to provide a basis for understanding water and nutrient uptake. Soil chemical analyses in the surface 0 to 20 cm were performed to provide baseline data on total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), to allow future calculation of C and N sequestration. Soil data and data on switchgrass stand density and first-year yields of the cultlivar trials will be presented.