Reed canary grass

Reed canary grass (RCG) is a perennial grass occuring frequently in ditches, riverbanks and wet meadows in temperate and sub-tropical regions of the northern hemisphere. In North America RCG has been primarily used for conservation. In Sweden the crop has been grown for forage and as a source of fibre for pulp.

Why grow reed canary grass as an energy crop?

  - Ease and low cost of establishment and management
  - Adaptation to poor wet soils, as well as drier soils
  - Winter hardiness and low nutrient requirement
  - Use of existing machinery
  - Potential carbon storage in soil and wildlife habitat
  - High yield potential
 
Reed canary grass could provide an alternative biomass crop for energy. It is established from seed and can be harvested and baled using conventional machinery. It produces a well-developed rhizome and root system and so re-drilling may only be necessary every 8-10 years. High dry matter content is attained relatively quickly.

Varieties Available
The most well known variety of reed canary grass is Palaton from the US. A newer introduction is SW Bamse from Sweden. Senova can supply SW Bamse. Call us on 01223 890777 for more details.