Title:
Assessment of Optimal Plant Density for Switchgrass Transplants Obtained by the Float System
Author(s):
Castelli, F., Ceotto, E.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The scopes of this study were: i) to assess whether switchgrass can be conveniently propagated with float system and subsequent transplant in the field; ii) to compare the productivity of three plant densities, resulting from three distances within the row. The float system method has been traditionally used for tobacco transplant production. We used this hydroponic system under greenhouse. The greenhouse was not conditioned, only ventilation from two sides was allowed. No fertilizers nor chemical were applied during the growing periods under greenhouse and in the field. We transplanted the seedlings in rows distant 0.45 m. We tested three different plant distances within the row: 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 m. Three main conclusions can be drawn from this experiment: i) the float system assured both an efficient use of seeds and a rapid development of the seedlings; ii) the subsequent transplant in the field, aided by a localized irrigation, was characterized by a 100% rate of survival; iii) consequently, the float system cultivation of the seedlings and the subsequent transplant in the field merit consideration for establishing switchgrass when soil conditions are unfavorable for direct seeding.
Keywords:
demonstration, perennial energy crops, propagation technique
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Biomass Crops and Energy Grasses
Event:
25th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.2.7
Pages:
258 - 261
ISBN:
978-88-89407-17-2
Paper DOI:
10.5071/25thEUBCE2017-1DV.2.7
Price:
FREE
