Frequently asked questions

At harvesting in spring when senescence (desiccation) has taken place, the extraction of minerals from the soil is very limited. The minerals are currently stored in the rhizomes. Actually, Miscanthus enriches the organic matter content of the soil, through the formation of roots and leaf fall. The composting of this leaf fall also recycles the minerals!

Miscanthus does not proliferate. The Miscanthus giganteus variety is a sterile triploid hybrid which does not proliferate. However, the Miscanthus rhizomes will multiply until the "wig" has a diameter of about 1 metre.

In the year of planting, the growing points of the crop are somewhat softer and both hares and geese can be a problem. Once the plants have developed, however, this is no longer an issue and growth is no longer hampered. Larger animals use Miscanthus for shelter and do not harm the crop.

With its low moisture content at harvest of around 15%, Miscanthus is an excellent locally sourced fuel. Compared to wood, however, the biomass has a lower melting point and higher mineral content. This makes that Miscanthus is often fired in combination with wood or in specialised biomass boilers (100% Miscanthus). Please contact your kel supplier or us if in doubt.

We can only deliver Miscanthus rhizomes in spring around April/May. After harvesting, the rhizomes are kept in cold storage. Nevertheless, we recommend planting as soon as possible in the season. This allows the plant to develop optimally in the first year after planting. We try to deliver as soon as possible after digging up, but we do depend on weather conditions. Should you wish to receive the rhizomes on a specific day, we will do our best but cannot give any guarantees.

Because Miscanthus rhizomes are susceptible to drying out, it is advisable to plant as soon as possible after receipt. If this is not possible, we recommend storing the rhizomes cooled and moistened in the meantime.

We recommend planting at a density of about 15,000 rhizomes per hectare on a 90cm * 75cm grid.

We have even planted in early June with good emergence. However earlier planting increases the chances of a nice emergence.

Miscanthus is a strong crop so weed control is not obvious. The first year after planting, however, it is of added value because weed pressure can negatively influence rhizome development and thus the first harvests. Organic weed suppression by means of, for example, Miscanthus litter can of course also be chosen here. From the first year after planting, however, weed control is no longer necessary because the plants are sufficiently developed, in addition, weed suppression through leaf fall.

Harvesting Miscanthus is done in spring just before the crop starts sprouting again.

Yes this is certainly possible with conventional equipment. The rhizomes remain on the surface.