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Feasibility of Growing Miscanthus in Minnesota – RD - 27
Linda Meschke, Rural Advantage, Project Director
July 13, 2010
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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
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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]
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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
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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
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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