Switchgrass Varieties

Cave-In-Rock

• The Agricultural Research Service in Lincoln, Nebraska, developed the "Cave-in-Rock" variety of switchgrass, and it is best suited for growers in the southern half of the United States. Originally developed as a livestock feed, the grass has a high level of digestibility but also produces useful volume for biofuel applications. Switchgrass is commonly planted at a rate of about two million seeds per acre.

Alamo

• "Alamo" switchgrass can reach heights of 6 feet. The grass is noted for growing in bunches rather than a solid sod. This habit provides additional cover for birds and small wildlife. The grass is also used for grazing and biofuel purposes. The grass can also be planted as a cover plant to provide erosion control along waterways and in other areas prone to erosion. The grass is commonly planted when soil temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pathfinder

• Developed for western growers, the "Pathfinder" variety of switchgrass was specifically created for feed quality. The plant was developed from 12 plant clones and all seeds produced from this variety are direct descendants of these plants. Pathfinder has been used to improve pasture qualities since 1968.

Kanlow

• "Kanlow" is considered a lowland type of switchgrass. This means the grass performs better in wet conditions. Given the proper conditions, the grass can yield as much as 8 tons of biomass per year. Kanlow and other switchgrasses can maintain productive stands for a decade or longer with proper weed control and fertilizer. The high volume of the Kanlow variety makes it more suited for biofuel production than livestock feed uses.