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The CropThe form used for industrial cropping is a fast growing clone called Miscanthus x giganteus. After establishment, stems emerge from an underground rhizome complex annually in March/April, reaching maximum height (3m or higher) towards the end of August, cooler temperatures in Autumn trigger senescence and translocation of reserves down below ground. The crop is left in the field over winter, during this phase leaf material falls to the ground recycling nutrients and providing mulch that suppresses weed growth in the spring. By Early spring (February to April) the cane is ready for harvest, using conventional or dedicated farming equipment as shown in the images below. These details are summarised in the following downloadable document.Download BICAL Miscanthus 2005 PDF Annual growth cycle images for Miscanthus  Start of the growing season in March, leaf litter from crop harvest and new shoots coming through.  Rapid canopy development in spring and summer Crop canopy at fully height in August Start of canopy senescence when first frosts occur in the winter Further leaf senescence Crop now over-wintered, leaf material has fallen to the ground which allows easy harvest and provides a mulch to recycle nutrients and suppress weed growth. |
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