Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

Switchgrass is a native warm season (NWS) perennial grass that can be grown throughout Georgia. Its primary use in Georgia has been for wildlife and conservation purposes.

Recently, switchgrass has attracted attention as a potential bioenergy crop. High yields of biomass with relatively few inputs make switchgrass a favorable choice for bioenergy production. In contrast, the use of switchgrass in pastures and hayfields in Georgia is limited because the introduced species (e.g., bermudagrass, bahiagrass, tall fescue, etc.) are more easily managed for high yields and forage quality.

This Web site provides basic information about switchgrass and its use as a bioenergy crop, forage crop, and habitat for wildlife. This site also serves as a directory that will link the user to other resources on the internet about switchgrass, its uses, and relevant research and policy issues.