Switchgrass and Sweet Sorghum Fertilization for Bioenergy Feedstocks Gene Stevens, David Dunn, and Allen Wrather

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1 Switchgrass and Sweet Sorghum Fertilization for Bioenergy Feedstocks Gene Stevens, David Dunn, and Allen Wrather Current status/importance of research area: Missouri bioenergy processing facilities may require more than one crop species maturing at different times of the year to supply their feedstock needs. This study will evaluate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization in sweet sorghum and switchgrass for bioenergy. In 2007, we conducted preliminary nutrient evaluations at Portageville, Missouri with both crops for ethanol production. Field research at the Delta Center showed that 63% less nitrogen fertilizer was needed to produce optimum ethanol yields with sweet sorghum as compared to corn. Sweet sorghum feedstock material produced 724 gallons of ethanol per acre with only 60 lb N/acre. In the same experiment, it took 100 more pounds of nitrogen to produce 573 gallons per acre from corn grain. Lab tests showed that the fermenting characteristics of the stalks are similar to sugar cane. Monetary compensation for nutrient crop removal is an important issue for farmers considering growing bioenergy crops. Stockpile fescue studies in Missouri, Tennessee, and West Virginia showed macronutrient contents in the stems and leaves were higher in the growing season than the winter months. The decline in fescue leaf nutrient concentrations in the winter may result from remobilization from leaves to roots as a storage mechanism. Also, leaching of soluble potassium in leaves by rainwater may occur. If the same trend occurs with switchgrass, harvesting senesced biomass after the first freeze would remove less nutrients from farmers fields than summer cuttings. This study will show farmers how much fertilizer they will need to purchase to offset nutrient removal from switchgrass and sweet sorghum harvested at different times of the year. Objectives: To determine optimum nitrogen rates, monitor the amount of potassium and phosphorus in stem and leaves throughout growing season, and develop P and K soil test recommendations for sweet sorghum and switchgrass. Procedures: Switchgrass. Three potential test sites have been identified for studying switchgrass fertilization. In 2007, biomass yield and nutrient content was measured from an established stand of switchgrass near Portageville. The switchgrass was planted 10 years ago in strips to provide wind protection from blowing sand for cotton seedlings. In late November, we found tissue content averaged 0.03% P and 0.12% K in leaves and 0.04 % P and 0.54% K in stems. Two other switchgrass locations are available to conduct research. Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area, near Charleston, Missouri, has large areas of switchgrass growing on several soil types which are in dryland and pivot irrigated fields. We also have a new switchgrass field that was planted at the Delta Center in Soil samples will be collected from several locations in each field to find an area with soil test levels below 45 lb P/acre and/or 250 lb K/acre. A fertilizer response test using seven rates of each nutrient with four replications will be conducted to determine critical threshold levels for producing the most economically optimum switchgrass biomass levels. A Troy Bilt sicklemower will be used to harvest biomass yields from irrigated and non irrigated areas four times during the growing season and once monthly during the winter months. Tissue subsamples will be separated into leaf and upper and lower stem parts, weighed, oven dried, and tested for NPKS content. Root balls will also

2 be dug, washed, and ground for nutrient analyses to evaluate nutrient remobilization in September to November. Sweet Sorghum. In 2007, an experiment was begun, without funding, to determine optimum nitrogen fertilizer rates for producing ethanol from corn and sweet sorghum. Tests were conducted on a Tiptonville silt loam with linear move irrigation. We will continue the experiment using the same procedure. Seven N rate treatments per crop will be used with four replications. Corn rates will be 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 lb N/acre. Sweet sorghum rates will be 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 lb N/acre. Ammonium nitrate will be broadcast applied. Corn plots will be harvested with a plot combine and sweet sorghum plots harvested with a sickle mower. Laboratory tests from corn grain and stover and sorghum stalks will be collected in each plot. Sugars in the sorghum stalks will be analyzed for sucrose, glucose, and fructose. The bagasse will be tested for acid soluble lignin, acid insoluble lignin, arabinan, xylan, mannan, galactan, and glucan. Potential ethanol from bagasse will be determined us the BRI thermal/chemical process by FutureFuels, Inc. (Batesville, Arkansas). Timetable for proposed research: This will be a three year project ( ). February March April October November January Soil sample all test sites. Develop field plans, weigh out fertilizer for individual plots, and prepare sweet sorghum field for planting. Apply fertilizer to plots at appropriate treatment timings. Use sickle mower to harvest switchgrass four times during the growing season for biomass yield. Oven dry subsamples to calculate dry matter yield and monitor NPKS distribution in the stems and leaves. Plant sweet sorghum, irrigate, and spray herbicides and insecticides when needed. Harvest plots with sickle mower. Send sweet sorghum samples to FutureFuels for determining ethanol yield. Harvest standing switchgrass monthly and test nutrient content in tissues. Strategy for application/transfer of knowledge: Results will be presented at field days and extension crop production conferences. Information will be posted on the Delta Center Crop Production website ( Articles will we written for Mid America Farmer magazine. When the study is completed a final report will be written and a manuscript submitted to scientific journal such as the Journal of Plant Nutrition.

3 Proposed budget: Expenses Res. Specialist salary (0.4) $11,200 $11,648 $12,114 Fringe benefits $3,403 $3,638 $3,932 Supplies and Lab Analyses $1,800 $1,890 $1,985 Travel $1,500 $1,575 $1,654 Total $17,903 $18,751 $19,684

4 WILLIAM E. (GENE) STEVENS EDUCATION Mississippi State University PhD 1992 Agronomy University of Tennessee Knoxville M.S Plant and Soil Science Union University B.S Biology and Journalism EMPLOYMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1994 Present Crop Production Specialist, Plant Science Div., University of MO, Columbia, MO Soil Scientist, Agronomy, MS State University/Crop Simulation, Starkville, MS Research Associate, North MS Branch Expt. Station, Holly Springs, MS SERVICE AND AWARDS 2002 Present Rice Technical Work Group, Executive Committee 2002 Present MU CAFNR, Chairman, Professional Track Faculty Committee 2006 Present MU Plant Science Division, Promotion and Tenure Committee 2007 Co chair Southern Plant Nutrition Planning Committee 2006 Pyeontaek, South Korea Agricultural Assessment Team 2001 Innovation in Agribusiness Award, Monsanto Company 1998 Conservation Partnership Award, Natural Resource Conservation Service PUBLICATIONS DURING THE LAST FIVE YEARS Stevens, G., A. Wrather, M. Rhine, D. Dunn, and E. Vories Predicting rice yield response to midseason nitrogen with plant area measurements. Agron. J. Accepted. Dunn, D. and G. Stevens Response of rice yields to phosphorus fertilizer rates and polymer coating. Crop Management. Accepted with revisions. Wrather, A., B. Phipps, W. Stevens, and A. Phillips Cotton planting date and plant population effects on yield and quality in the Mississippi Delta. J. Cotton Science. Accepted. Nelson, K., P. Scharf, G. Stevens, and B. Burdick. Rescue nitrogen for corn. Agron. J. In Review. Stevens, G., D. Dunn, and S. Hefner Building soil potassium and phosphorus in a low testing fescue field. Better Crops with Plant Food. International Plant Nutrition Inst. Vol. 91, Issue 4:20 21.

5 Stevens, G., E. Vories, M. Mulesky, M. Rhine, and D. Dunn Irrigation to maximize vaccine antigen production in a genetically modified tobacco. Agron. J. 99: Dunn, D. and G. Stevens Phosphorus management in a dry seeded delayedflood rice production system. Better Crops with Plant Food. Int. Plant Nutrition Inst. Vol. 91, Issue 1: Aide, M., C. Aide, D. Dunn, and G. Stevens Fragipan genesis in the eastern Ozarks of Missouri. Soil Sci. 171(6): Stevens, G., T. Gladbach, P. Motavalli, and D. Dunn Soil calcium and magnesium ratios and lime recommendations for cotton. J. Cotton Science. 9: Conley, S., G. Stevens, and D. Dunn Grain sorghum response to row spacing, crop density, and planter skips. Crop Management. [Online] doi: /cm RS. Wrather, J., W. Stevens, D. Dunn, R. Cartwright, G. Sciumbato, and D. Beighley Tillage effects on stand and yield in a rice monoculture system. Crop Management [Online] doi: /cm RS. Dunn, D., G. Stevens, and A. Kendig Boron fertilization of rice with soil and foliar applications. Crop Management. [Online] doi: /cm RS. Dunn, D., and G. Stevens Rice potassium research progress. Better Crops with Plant Food. Int. Plant Nutrition Inst. Vol. 89, Issue 1: Stevens, G. and D. Dunn Fly ash as a liming material on cotton. J. Environmental Quality 33: Stevens, W.E., S.A. Berberich, P.A. Sheckell, C.C. Wiltse, M.E. Halsey, M.J. Horak, and D.J. Dunn Optimizing pollen confinement in corn grown for regulated products. Crop Science. 44: Wrather, J. A., D. A. Sleper, and W. E. Stevens Soybean cultivar and foliar fungicide effects on Phomopsis sp. seed infection. Plant Disease Dunn, D. A. Wrather, W. Stevens, M. Kenty, D. Beighley and M. Aide Measuring K + in rice basal stem sap with a Cardy meter. Crop Management. [Online] doi: /cm RS. Wrather, J. A., D. A. Sleper, W. E. Stevens, J.G. Shannon, and R.F. Wilson Planting date and cultivar effects on soybean yield, seed quality, and Phomopsis sp. seed infection. Plant Disease. 87:

6 CURRICULUM VITAE DAVID J. (Dave) DUNN University of Missouri Delta Center, P. O. Box 160 Portageville, MO Phone (573) EDUCATION: Degree: M.S. Geology (with emphasis in soils development) 1985 Institution: Iowa State University Professor: Dr. Carl F. Vondra Degree: B.S. Geology, 1980 Institution: Iowa State University PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Supervisor: Soil Testing Lab 1997 present University of Missouri Delta Center, Portageville, Missouri Responsibilities: 1) Communicate to public the role of an integrated soil fertility program in crop production and environmental protection. 2) Provide relevant and understandable soil and plant analysis results to customers. 3) Maintain quality control of laboratory results while ensuring that results are available to customers in timely manner. 4) Supervise and train administrative and support staff, develop and implement annual working budget, maintain and purchase supplies and equipment as needed. 5) Develop and administer a soil fertility research program. 6) Provide research assistance to other multidisciplinary University of Missouri staff Lab Tech II, Soil Testing Lab Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa Responsibilities: 1) Supervise and train student hourly workers. 2) Maintain equipment and purchase consumable supplies as needed. 3) Maintain quality control of laboratory results. 4) Communicate soil test results to customers. 5) Provide research assistance to other multidisciplinary Iowa State University staff, includes training of graduate students in use of analytical instruments.

7 Lab Tech II, Power Plant Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa Responsibilities: 1) Supervise and train temporary and student workers. 2) Maintain equipment and purchase consumable supplies. 3) Maintain quality control of laboratory results. 4) Maintain records of laboratory results for compliance with local, state and federal environmental laws. Refereed Publications: RECENT PUBLICATIONS: Stevens, G., A. Sheckel, E. Vories, M. Mulesky, M. Rhine, and D. Dunn Irrigation to maximize vaccine antigen production in genetically modified tobacco Agron J. 99: Stevens, G., A. Wrather, M. Rhine, D. Dunn and E. Vories Predicting rice yield response to midseason nitrogen with plant area measurements. Agron J (in press). Dunn, D, and G Stevens. 2007, Phosphorus Management in a Dry seed, Delayed Flood Production System in Missouri, Beter Crops International, 91: Stevens, G, D. Dunn, and S. Hefner Building Soil Potassium and Phosphorus in a Low Testing Fescue Field, Better Crops International (in press). Aide, M., C. Aide, D. Dunn, and G. Stevens Fragipan genesis in the eastern Ozarks of Missouri. Soil Sci. 171 (6): Stevens, G., T. Gladbach, P. Motavalli, and D. Dunn Soil calcium and magnesium ratios and lime recommendations for cotton. J. Cotton Science. 9: Dunn, D., G. Stevens, and A. Kendig Boron fertilization of rice with soil and foliar applications. Crop Management. [Online] doi: /cm RS Conley, S., G. Stevens, and D. Dunn Grain sorghum response to row spacing, crop density, and planter skips. Crop Management. doi: /cm RS. Wrather, J., W. Stevens, D. Dunn, R. Cartwright, G. Sciumbato, and D. Beighley Tillage effects on stand and yield in a rice monoculture system. Crop Management [Online] doi: /cm RS

8 Resume James Allen Wrather University of Missouri Delta Center Phone: Box 160 FAX: Portageville, MO Education Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, 1979, University of Missouri M.S. in Plant Pathology, 1972, Purdue University B.A. in Biology, 1970, Central Methodist College Professional Employment Professor, University of Missouri, 1996 to Present Associate Professor, University of Missouri, 1986 to 1996 Assistant Professor, University of Missouri, Awards: Distinguished Research and Extension Award, Southern Soybean Disease Workers, 1996 Extension Education Award, United Soybean Board, Membership in Professional Organizations: American Society of Agronomy American Phytopathological Society Society of Nematology Southern Soybean Disease Workers Recent Service: Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease Management Reports, Senior Editor Southern Soybean Disease Workers, President 2007 Books: Schmitt, D. P., Wrather, J. A., and Riggs R. D Biology and Management of Soybean Cyst Nematode, Second Edition. Walsworth Publishing Company, Marceline, MO. Refereed Research Publications Since 2004: Koenning, S. R., T. L. Kirkpatrick, J. L. Starr, J. A. Wrather, N. R. Walker, and J. D. Mueller Plant parasitic nematodes attacking cotton in the United States. Plant Disease 88: Anand, S. C., J. G. Shannon, J. A. Wrather, P. R. Arelli, D. A. Sleper, and L. D. Young Registration of S soybean germplasm line high in protein content and resistant to soybean cyst nematodes. Crop Sci. 44:

9 Wrather, J. A., Shannon, J. G., Stevens, W. E., Sleper, D. A., and Arelli, P. R Soybean cultivar and foliar fungicide effects on Phomopsis sp. seed infection. Plant Dis. 87: 87: Dunn, D. J., Wrather, J. A., Stevens, W. E., Kenty, M. M., Beighley, D. H., and Aide, M. T Measuring K+ in rice basal stem sap with a Cardy Meter. Crop Management doi: /cm RS. Wrather, J. A., Stevens, W. E., Dunn, D. J., Cartwright, R. D., Sciumbato, G. L., Beighley, D. H Tillage effects on stand and yield in a rice monoculture system. Online. Crop Management doi: /cm RS. Shannon, J. G., Anand, S. C., Arelli, P. R., Wrather, J. A., and Sleper, D. A Registration of S soybean. Crop Sci : Shannon, J. G., Wrather, J. A., and Nelson, R. L Registration of S and S improved soybean germplasm with diverse pedigree. Crop Science 45: Wrather, J. A., and S. R. Koenning Estimates of disease effects on soybean yields in the United States 2003 to J Nematology 38: Wrather, J. A., Shannon, J. G., and Mengistu, A Impact of soybean planting date on soil population density of Macrophomina phaseolina. Online. Plant Health Progress doi: /php RS. Mitchum, M. G., J. A. Wrather, R. D. Heinz, J. G. Shannon, and G. Danekas Variability in distribution and virulence phenotypes of Heterodera glycines in Missouri during Plant Dis. 91: Shannon, J. G., J. A. Wrather, D. A. Sleper, H. T. Nguyen, and S. C. Anand Registration of Stoddard soybean. J. Plant Registrations 1:28. Shannon, J. G., J. A. Wrather, D. A. Sleper, R. T. Robbins, H. T. Nguyen, and S. C. Anand Registration of Jake soybean. J. Plant Registrations 1: Shannon, J. G., J. A. Wrather, D. A. Sleper, J. D. Lee, and S. C. Anand Registration of S soybean germplasm line high in seed protein and resistant to root knot nematode. J. Plant Registrations 1:67. Shannon, J. G., D. A. Sleper, J. A. Wrather, and J. D. Lee Registration of S soybean germplasm line. J. Plant Registrations 1:68.