Planting Switchgrass for Cover

Planting Switchgrass for Cover

By Steve Webner

“Switchgrass on my property would be a great way to bring in the pheasants”. This is what I told myself, an avid pheasant hunter, after I bought a small acreage in northwest Iowa. However, I knew enough about plants to know that I was no agronomist, and the thought of planting a plot of switchgrass was a bit intimidating. My basic knowledge of plants only included plant a seed, water it, and watch it grow. But, the thought of increasing the aesthetic beauty of my property, creating crucial habitat for wildlife production, cover, and sustainability for pheasants, quail, deer, and a variety of other species, was worth the effort.

Switchgrass is a perennial warm season bunchgrass that grows primarily from June through September by rhizomes spreading underground and dispersal of seed throughout the area. These seeds are often eaten by birds, including upland birds. Switchgrass grows three to six feet in height and has a strong stem that primarily stays upright during the winter months; holding off strong winds and snow to provide outstanding cover for wildlife, such as pheasants. Heavy snows and rain may bend the stem, but it often rebounds once the weight of the moisture is gone. Switchgrass doesn’t need rich, fertile soil to grow; so, if you live in an area where you have poor soil quality, no worries. We will discuss this later. It is drought tolerant once established, which is a good trait to have these days. Switchgrass also serves well for soil conservation and is often used for CRP plots.

There are several varieties of switchgrass to choose from such as Blackwell and Cave-In-Rock. After researching different varieties for disease resistance, strength, and hardiness, I purchased Blackwell for my plot. There are hundreds of places to purchase your seed. I encourage you to research the different dealers before purchasing, as you want a reputable dealer who is going to provide high quality seed. I would also recommend speaking to an expert at the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office, DNR, or your county extension office to determine the best variety of switchgrass for you.

When preparing your plot, planting, and maintaining your switchgrass, there are a variety of factors that will dictate your next move. What I will discuss next is a basic overview of the process. When I planted my switchgrass plot, I did contact someone who had vast experience in planting and maintaining large fields of switchgrass. I would recommend you do the same if you are a first-time planter. Again, your local conservation office, NRCS, DNR, and even conservation group specialists, such as Pheasants Forever, can help you develop a sound plan to plant and maintain your switchgrass. Otherwise, there are a large number of great resources to read online.

Your first step is to prepare your switchgrass plot before planting your seed. In order to do so, you will need to eliminate the current plant life. A thorough elimination of such plants as fescue, brome, and other plants will prevent you future grief. These other plant species have the ability to prevent your switchgrass from flourishing by smothering and taking the switchgrass’ needed nutrients. Spraying a broad spectrum herbicide, such as glyphosate (RoundUp) in the late spring, is a good way to remove these weeds. You can also apply a selective herbicide labeled for switchgrass as well as broadleaf selective herbicides. If you apply a per-emergent herbicide, be sure to read the label and apply according to the label’s instructions. Make sure you are applying the pre-emergent herbicide prior to switchgrass emerging, or as directed by the label.

When planting your switchgrass in the late spring, it is best to wait until the weeds start to appear, spray them with glyphosate, and then plant your switchgrass seeds. If you are concerned about your soil fertility, you can test it and then determine if you need to add nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium before planting. Most times in Iowa, you should have no problems with fertility for switchgrass as it thrives in poor conditions. Planting the seed can be done by using a drill or broadcaster. We utilized a drill to plant the seed at approximately 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches deep in a firm seed bed, allowing for good seed contact with the soil. My local expert drilled the seed at a ratio of five pounds of seed per acre. You will need to be patient with switchgrass as it may take a couple of years for your switchgrass to flourish. It will be considered a success if you have one to two plants per square foot the first year. From that point, the rhizomes will start working. My switchgrass took three years to flourish to a level in which I was satisfied.

Once you plant the seed, weed control is going to be your primary task. When my switchgrass reached six inches in height, I applied Drive herbicide, as it does not hurt the switchgrass. This helped to clear up any weeds that were still growing after my first site prep with glyphosate. From that point, I spot sprayed any other weeds that emerged.

As with any prairie grass plot, regular burning is a necessity. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Making a Home for Wildlife: Prescribed Burn, “A controlled fire can keep woody shrubs and trees at bay, while rejuvenating grasses and wildflowers that benefit grassland wildlife species.” Yes, this includes upland birds, song birds, deer, and a large variety of insect species. It is recommended to perform a prescribed burn every three years. However, for my newly created switchgrass plot, I burned after the second year and the plot came back much thicker and healthier. With large fields of switchgrass, it is recommended to section off the field so you can reasonably perform a prescribed burn of smaller portions on a rotation; for example, dividing the field into thirds so you can burn each section one time every third year. It is recommended to perform a prescribed burn in April, before the pheasants lay their eggs. Since switchgrass does not begin to emerge until late spring, applying herbicide once other plant life appears will prevent competing weeds from taking hold and it will not impact your switchgrass.

Creating your own switchgrass plot will provide local wildlife habitat with safe cover for bedding, reproduction, and nesting. Once your switchgrass has grown to maturity, you will immediately see an increase in wildlife populations. It will also add a natural and visually appealing landscape in which you will take a sense of pride in knowing that you are contributing a sustainable wildlife habitat.