Feasibility of Growing Miscanthus in Minnesota – RD - 27

Linda Meschke, Rural Advantage, Project DirectorJuly 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, MNMiscanthus 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 = 11.84 %

[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