Giant Miscanthus Production on Maryland Eastern Shore’s Marginal Land: Grassroots Efforts to Restore Profitable Agriculture

1)     Perform research about giant miscanthus growth on marginal land

The collaborating farmer contacted the giant miscanthus rhizome supplier company (AgroTech) as well as a neighboring farmer who grows giant miscanthus on prime land at a commercial scale. The collaborating farmer coordinated with AgroTech and the local neighboring farmer to plant and establish the miscanthus on two small fields (total of approximately 10 acres). Giant miscanthus is recommended to be planted in either early spring or fall according to rhizome availability and field-conditions, which varies by weather and other factors both on the Eastern Shore and in North Carolina where the rhizomes are grown. In our study, the giant miscanthus was planted on 7 Jun 2022, approximately 2 months later than anticipated, due to weather and equipment availability.

We divided the field using GPS technology into a grid with 20 x 0.5 acre subdivisions (Figure 1). In order to characterize field conditions we took soil samples on 6/24/22 in each 0.5 acre subdivision (sample of 20 composite cores per subdivision). Those 20 cores were taken along a straight transect diagonally across each plot. Complete soil analyses were completed by AgroLab (Harrington, DE), which included all of the basic measurements (pH, nutrients, CEC, etc.) as well as total salts, salinity, and nitrogen.

Detailed observations and measurements were made in 20 x 1 m² quadrats (Figure 1). These 20 quadrats were located within each of the 20 0.5 acre subdivisions. The following observations and measurements were taken in the quadrats:

• Soil samples (sample of 10 composite cores per quadrat) were taken on 3/10/23. Complete soil analyses were completed by AgroLab (Harrington, DE), which included all of the basic measurements (pH, nutrients, CEC, etc.) as well as total salts, salinity, and nitrogen.
• Sprouted rhizome count to determine emergence and stand establishment was completed on 8/15/22.
• Heights of miscanthus was measured on 8/15/22.
• Total biomass of miscanthus post dry down and leaf drop was measured on 3/10/23.

We monitored soil moisture continuously from planting through the first year of growth using Watermark soil moisture sensors and datalogging equipment. We measured soil moisture at 2”, 6”, 12”, and 18” soil depths within six of the 1 m2 quadrats (Figure 1). Quadrats were chosen that spanned the obvious drainage variability in the field--two in flooded areas, two in dry areas, and two in what appeared to be intermediate areas.  

In order to assess deer pressure on giant miscanthus, we walked down four miscanthus rows on 9/1/22 and 10/26/22 and recorded the number of leaves that were grazed by deer. We also set-up two wildlife cameras and counted the number of deer sightings during the first year of growth. 

We will perform a regression analysis to correlate miscanthus yield versus salt content, total salts, nutrient content, and other factors. We will perform a multivariate analysis to determine which soil factors most influence miscanthus yield.

In addition, the collaborating farmer will provide miscanthus yield data from the whole field at the end of the season. Through interviews with the collaborating farmer, we will document experiences and challenges involved with planting miscanthus on marginal land.

Figure 1. Map of 0.5 acre field subdivisions, 1 m² quadrats, and soil moisture monitoring equipment locations.

2)     Foster regionally relevant education about giant miscanthus

We will hold a series of five educational programs introducing giant miscanthus and facilitating farmer discussion. Topics will include:

1)     Introduction to giant miscanthus and basics of production; Discussion of AgroTech partnership and potential markets (Virtual webinar)

2)     Experience growing giant miscanthus on marginal land and results of research study (Virtual webinar)

3)     Crop budget and economic analysis (Virtual webinar)

4)     Tour of miscanthus growing on marginal land (In-person field-day)

5)     Facilitated roundtable farmer discussion of whether miscanthus is a viable crop on marginal land in the region (grassroots efforts to garner grower interest and support and get ideas/engage). Example topics of discussion include, "What support would farmers need to make this crop more viable?", and "How does miscanthus compare with other options such as conservation easements or other crops?" (In-person meeting)