Why is it recommended to overwinter switchgrass in the field before harvesting?
Ash content and composition of fuel is critical for many pellet appliances. Overwintering switchgrass lowers ash content by leaching of the forage and loss of plant components that are higher in ash (inflorescence and leaves). This produces a fuel with characteristics more like wood, but will also result in yield loss of 20% up to 50%. Warm-season grasses (switchgrass, indiangrass, big bluestem etc.) start growth late in the spring and do not mature until later in the season. There is little opportunity to cut these grasses in the fall, allow them to leach, and then bale in a dry state. There is generally ample opportunity to harvest last year’s growth the following spring before new growth resumes.
