Preconditions

Suitable soil for planting

Miscanthus is known to perform well on a variety of soils, this from sandy soils to clay soils. The crop is relatively tolerant of soil PH levels, though an optimum pH level of 5.5 to 7.5 is required. Miscanthus is planted and harvested in spring, which is why it is important that the plots are then easily passable. The dense rooting of Miscanthus in the building soil (top 25 cm of the soil) will improve the bearing capacity of the soil after planting. This then ensures that harvesting with a chipper becomes possible.

The right temperature

In terms of cultivation area, the possibilities for Miscanthus vary, although it is true that photosynthesis will not take place in low temperatures. As a guideline, starting from a temperature of 6 degrees Celsius, the plant will be active. This is lower than the temperature of other C4 crops including maize, which makes the growing season longer. To allow the crop to develop strongly for the first winter after planting, early planting in the season can be chosen. However, the risk of this is that night frosts after planting may damage the new shoots.

A good water supply

Miscanthus has a deep-rooting and extensive root structure, with hair roots up to 2 metres deep. In addition, the crop also has a decent above-ground structure and a large leaf area, this leads to a high transpiration rate. The availability of moisture is therefore an issue when deciding on planting locations, sufficient rainfall and a moist soil are important. During the growing period, rainfall of 700 - 900 mm is considered ideal. Less rainfall will have a negative impact on yields, 500 mm is considered minimum to allow growth. Prolonged dry periods can lead to pause in growth and possible leaf loss. However, when rainfall or irrigation returns, the Miscanthus will resume its growth.