JHM Crops Ltd.

Miscanthus: the perennial crop

Miscanthus-also known as Elephant Grass- is a fast growing, perennial woody type grass that originated in South East Asia. Already familiar as a flowering plant, the non - flowering forms of the plant are of interest agriculturally as they grow rapidly, have low nutrient requirements, produce high yields, suffer from no known pests or diseases, are environmentally friendly and may be harvested every year after the first two years. Miscanthus Giganteus grows to a height of 2.5 to 3 metres and is harvested in cane form every spring. Once established the crop does not require fertilizers, disease control or weed control. The crop sheds its leaves over the winter during senescence and they fall to the ground forming a covering that soaks nutrients into the soil, replenishing it. The crop grows to such a height and thickness that it prevents substantial growth of weeds or other grasses once it is in its established form. This low level of maintenance plus the fact that it remains in the ground for 20-25 years yielding a crop every year after the initial two years has made it a popular choice with farmers. It has been shown to be very suited as an energy crop to the Irish climate and soils and a yield of 6-7 tons per acre can be achieved from the fourth year onwards. Miscanthus is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly means of producing sustainable biomass for renewable energy and other markets. It produces biomass three times more efficiently than wheat, yielding a quality product that can be used across a range of markets. With more stringent environmental regulations and biodiversity laws coming online in the next few years, energy crops such as Miscanthus provide farmers who require a steady return from their land with an alternative land-use option.