Energy has become a topic of discussion during the past year, and alternative forms, specifically biofuels, have slowly been gaining traction, especially in the farming community for several years.

Warm season grass, specifically switch grass and its broad uses, might allow local farmers their piece of the energy pie. However, these grasses can be tricky to establish, so below are some tips to ensure a successful planting.

Switch grass — and warm season grass in general — can fit into most any farm and does not require much, if any, inputs. Switch grass can be seeded using existing seed boxes. Other warm season grass, such as Indian or bib blue, require a special fluffy seed box and might not be readily available by every drill manufacturer.

Grasses should be seeded at 4 to 8 pounds of pure live seed to the acre depending on the overall objective. Lower seeding rates are more beneficial to wildlife but take longer to establish.

Once planted, the field should be mowed frequently, at about 6 to 8 inches high the first year or two to help reduce competition and allow the grass to become well rooted.

Broadleaf weeds can be treated with herbicide anytime. However, cool season grass may be treated soon after planting before germination or the following spring before warm season grass greens up, which generally doesn't occur until mid-May.

Warm season grass has a wide variety of uses, from wildlife habitat for ground-nesting birds and small animals to alternative bedding for expanding pasture acres by providing forage in July and August when existing cool season grass pastures become dormant or sold for biofuel production.

Regardless of use, little maintenance is required. The grass should be mowed and baled or burned at least once every five years to keep residue levels in check unless harvested for production. If left unmanaged, the grass can build up enough trash that growth points will move above ground and a hard freeze will kill the plant. Lime and fertilizer also is not required unless the pH is less than 5, but research has shown the grass would benefit from 50 units of nitrogen in the spring, but nutrients are typically not required.

Producers interested in trying this type of grass should contact our office to see what programs are available to help offset establishment costs. We also can offer assistance in helping to manage existing grass stands.

Conservation program sign-up deadline June 11

There are still a few weeks remaining to sign up for our Conservation Stewardship Program, our record keeping program that rewards farmers for maintaining existing best management practices like no-till, cover crops and grazing practices while agreeing to implement new practices like recycling farm lubricants or establishing wildlife habitat.

Annual payments range from $15 to $25 per acre per year for the five-year contract period. Cutoff for this year's funding will be June 11, and interested producers should contact our office for program details.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.