Kanlow Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum 'Kanlow'(Grasses)

Kanlow Switchgrass is a perennial warm season grass with coarse stems. Its height ranges from 3 to nearly 8 feet with the leaves ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide and may reach a length of 30 inches. It is a bunch grass, but has short rhizomes. The seeds are small, hard, smooth, and shiny. They flow readily and can be sown with most available seeders. "Clover boxes" are especially good

Kanlow was developed and released by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the
Crops Research Division, ARS/USDA. Seeds that led to the development of Kanlow were
collected from a lowland site near Wetunka, OK in 1957. The resulting population was
isolated and increased on the Agronomy Farm at Kansas State University.

Kanlow cultivar is one of the most promising candidates for biofuel production. Kanlow and Alamo Switchgrasses have much higher dry matter (DM) yield capability than upland cultivars. It is a tall and productive switchgrass especially adapted to lowlands where flooding, high water table, or other excess water problems occur, but performs well on upland sites where soils are not too thin or droughty. It displays good resistance to stem rust disease. Recommended for use as a biomass crop and on rangelands, pastures, waterways, and disturbed sites.

A benefit for wildlife is the leaf canopy which provides very good protection for young, ground-nesting birds and mammals. It attracts insects for food and remains open at ground level for easy movement by the young. Kanlow and Alamo Switchgrass also make good screening along roadsides to prevent field viewing by passersby, and is extensively used by White Tail Deer as escape cover during and after the fall hunting season.

For good establishment, have your soil tested. A medium range of P and K is desirable with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Amendments may be applied prior to, during, or after seeding. Nitrogen should not be applied at seeding. Seeding can be done using no-till, conventional, or broadcast methods. Early spring planting when favorable soil moisture conditions usualy exist is best. Late planting promotes weed competition and jeopardizes good stand development. No-till or sod seedling with no seedbed preparation reduces weed competition and helps get the switchgrass off to a good start. Sod seeding requires burn-back of existing vegetation with a "burn-down" herbicide. Plant no more than 1/4 inch deep. Seeds on top of the ground are also fine if rolled (cultipacked) into a firm prepared bed. Native grasses will not come up if planted too deep. The only exception is Eastern Gamagrass which is planted like corn.

Regardless of planting method, give the switchgrass time to get established. Soil moisture and weed competition will determine how rapidly the stand develops. Some varieties of switchgrass may have a high percentage of hard seed which germinate the following season. In some cases, a useable stand develops the first year. However, as a general rule, the second or third growing season can be counted on for haying and/or grazing when managed properly.

After planting, carefully monitor weed competition. Mow or graze to minimize competition. Identify switchgrass seedlings and set mowing height above young seedlings or graze intensively for short duration to eliminate vegetative competition. The first growth of a first year planting should be cut or grazed at full-bloom rather than boot stage.

Broadleaf weeds should be eradicated early by using 2-4-D, Banvel, or similar herbicide. Always follow label directions when using a herbicide. Winter burns have provided effective weed control. Burning should not be done until plants are at least 2 to 3 years old. Check and abide by local policies and restrictions.

	Highly adaptable
	Suited to many applications
	Kanlow and Alamo varieties produce highest tonnage

Height 36-96 Inches

Spread 24-60 Inches

Growing & Maintenance Tips Preferred planting time is spring, until June 30; dormant planting may be done December through February. Recommended planting rate is four to six PLS pounds per acre, if in a pure stand. In seed mixes, switchgrasses should represent the lowest percentage of grasses in the mix.

USDA Hardiness Zone 5 - 9

Characteristics & Attributes

Attracts Wildlife Upland Birds	Attributes Native Mass Planting	Exposure Sun	Other Characteristics Cattle Forage Easy-to-establish BioFuel
Soil Moisture Preference Average Moist