Determining the impact of climate and soil variability on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) production in the south-eastern USA; a simulation study

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial warm-season grass native to North America. The species is currently being evaluated as a potential feedstock for bioenergy. Growth and yield of switchgrass vary substantially due to weather and soil conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the impact and implications of weather, climate, and soil variability on switchgrass production in the south-eastern USA using a crop simulation model. We simulated switchgrass growth and yield as a function of weather, soil, and crop management with the Agricultural Land Management Alternative with Numerical Assessment Criteria (ALMANAC) model. The model was first evaluated with switchgrass data from five field experiments conducted [...]