Introduction

Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass) is a common perennial C4 grass that is distributed widely across North America (Harman et al.). It is a dominant plant in the central Great Plains grasslands and has broad genotypic and phenotypic variability. That variability allows for the wide adaptation of this species across a broad geographic and environmental range (Harman et al.). Its potential to be a useful and efficient biofuel source has been studied over the last two decades. It is a good crop for biofuel production as it is a native species that requires minimal management, is an efficient energy source, has the ability to increase soil quality, and has a large potential to sequester carbon underground (Harman et al.).

 Schmer et al. found an average estimated net energy yield of 60 GJ ha^-1 y^-1 from switchgrass crops. Subsequently, a potential of 8.9 billion GJ could be produced each year from energy crop production on 14% of North American farmland (Reap).  Implementing switchgrass crops for biofuel production would require large amounts of land which would be transferred from previous agricultural marginal lands or conservation areas to switchgrass cultivation (Harman et al.). Of the 168 million acres of farmland in Canada it has been estimated that 23.4 million acres could be dedicated to alternative energy farming without appreciably affecting food supply (Reap).

The most promising regions to develop a switchgrass pellet fuel industry are those where hay production costs are low and heating costs are high due to long winters and high fuel costs. Thus based on that and warm season grass performance data some of the best opportunities for switchgrass biofuel production in Canada exist in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec (Reap). 

Study Area: This analysis examines the Manitoba prairie ecozone (located in Southern Manitoba) to determine the areas of highest suitability for growing of switchgrass crops. It was limited to the prairie ecozone since that is where the grass is natively found and this focusing of the study area allowed for more efficient data analysis.

Favourable switchgrass crop location variables considered in this analysis:

• Switchgrass establishes best on well-drained soils (REAP, 2011).
• Switchgrass is easier and faster to establish on loam and sandy soils and results in a maximum yield level being achieved over a shorter amount of time (REAP, 2011).
• Southern aspect is preferred for larger crop yield (REAP, 2011)
• Low slope is preferred for mechanized agriculture
• Land that is already classified as perennial cropland or grassland would be preferred so as not to disturb production of food or other ecosystems