The GLBRC Switchgrass Variety Experiment was established in 2009 at the KBS GLBRC Intensive Field Site to examine the establishment potential, productivity, and feedstock quality of different varieties of switchgrass. Eight upland and four lowland varieties were planted in a complete randomized block design. Plots are 4.6 × 12.2 m (15 × 40’) arranged in 4 replicate blocks for a total of 12 varieties x 4 replicate blocks = 48 plots. Upland varieties are Southlow, Cave-in-Rock, Trailblazer, Blackwell, Dacotah, NE28, E 2102 and Shelter; the latter two were planted in 2010. Lowland varieties are Alamo, Kanlow, EG 1101, and EG 1102; the latter two were replanted in 2010.
From 2009-2018, plots were managed following standard agronomic practices including periodic fertilization. Starting in 2019, they were fertilized at a rate of 56.0 kg N/ha/y, but with a 10 ft unfertilized subplot established along the eastern edge of each plot.
This experiment was decommissioned in 2021 in favor of the Switchgrass Experiment II, however it will continue to serve as a switchgrass nursery plot.
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