Integrating Perennial Warm Season Grasses into Dairy Farms

Introduction

As the agricultural sector seeks new ways to enhance farm sustainability and productivity, perennial warm season grasses like switchgrass are gaining recognition for their versatility and benefits (see Extension articles NewBio Energy Crop Profile: Switchgrass, Alternate Markets for Dedicated Grass Energy Crops, and Warm-Season Grasses and Wildlife). While cool season grasses are a familiar grazing and hay component of many dairy farms in Pennsylvania, integrating perennial warm-season grasses like switchgrass into dairy farm operations can improve bedding quality, enhance forage nutrition, contribute to environmental conservation, and offer economic benefits, providing a well-rounded alternative to traditional products. This article outlines some of the ways warm season grasses can be a component of a dairy farm's operations.

Renewable Energy Feedstock for Dairy Farm Anaerobic Digesters

Switchgrass is well-known for its potential as a biomass feedstock for renewable energy. For dairy farms with on-site anaerobic digesters, integrating switchgrass into their feedstock mix can be a valuable strategy. Our on-farm case study, featured in "Integrating Perennial Grasses: A Case Study of Switchgrass Bedding and Bioenergy Production from an On-Farm Trial," explores this application, and insights are also shared in the C-CHANGE Grass2Gas: Reimagining Anaerobic Digestion for the Future webinar. While its role in renewable energy is significant, the practical benefits of switchgrass for bedding, forage, and environmental conservation should also be recognized.

Bedding: Comfort and Efficiency

Switchgrass as a bedding material presents several practical advantages over traditional options like sawdust:

• Healthy and Absorbent: Switchgrass offers a soft, absorbent bedding option that keeps cows comfortable and dry. Its superior moisture management helps prevent common issues associated with damp bedding, which can be a concern with traditional materials like sawdust. In fact, researchers have found that cows preferred deep-bedded switchgrass over more traditional materials such as wheat straw on a rubber mat (Wolfe et al., 2018).
• Cost and Labor Efficiency: Unlike sawdust or wheat straw, which may need frequent replacement due to compaction and moisture issues, switchgrass tends to decompose more slowly. This durability means that switchgrass bedding generally lasts longer and requires less frequent handling, leading to cost savings and reduced labor for bedding management.

We further explore using switchgrass for bedding in our article titled "Integrating Perennial Grasses: A Case Study of Switchgrass Bedding and Bioenergy Production from an On-Farm Trial." The article features an on-farm case study where switchgrass was mixed with manure digestate (the solid byproduct from an anaerobic digester). The case study highlights the farm's positive experience with switchgrass as bedding and how it performed in real-world conditions.

Forage: A Nutritious Alternative

Switchgrass is not just for bedding—it's also a promising forage option, and can complement the use of cool-season grasses on the dairy farm. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Alternative Forage: Switchgrass can be an effective fiber source with other essential nutrients, making it a nutritious feed supplement for dairy cows and an alternative for wheat straw in dairy rations. Its digestibility is comparable to some traditional forages, supporting healthy cows and milk production if fed in appropriate rations.
• Cost-Effective Yield: This hardy grass produces a high biomass yield and grows at times of the year when cool-season grasses tend to slow down. This can help lower feed costs. For farmers dealing with feed shortages or high prices, switchgrass offers a cost-effective and reliable alternative.
• Versatile Feed Integration: Switchgrass can be integrated into existing feed systems, adding variety to the diet and potentially reducing feed expenses. Its adaptability makes it an attractive choice for diversifying feed options.

You can find more information about this value of switchgrass for dairy forage in these sources: Establishing and Managing Switchgrass as a Forage and Ready for the Switch? The Dairy Merits of Switchgrass, along with ways to extend the grazing season using warm-season perennial grasses like switchgrass in this Extension article, Extending the Grazing Season with Plant Diversity.

Riparian and Marginal Areas: Environmental Benefits

Switchgrass isn't just practical for the dairy operation; it also plays a key role in environmental conservation for the farm and surrounding area. Some of its benefits include:

• Erosion Control: The deep roots of switchgrass help stabilize soil in steep slopes or riparian zones, reducing erosion and preventing sediment runoff. This makes it an effective solution for protecting waterways and maintaining soil health.
• Utilizing Marginal Land: Perennial warm-season grasses can often thrive in areas where traditional commodity crops might struggle. By planting switchgrass in marginal lands, farmers can make productive use of these areas, contributing to overall farm sustainability.

Why "Practical" Matters

Perennial warm-season grasses, like switchgrass, are often praised for their sustainability and environmental benefits, but their practical application is key to encouraging wider adoption. While their eco-friendly nature is appealing, these grasses must also prove economically viable. Developing strong local markets for products such as bioenergy, specialty feeds, or bedding materials can enhance their financial benefits. Additionally, processing perennial grasses into value-added products offers further revenue opportunities, helping to offset establishment and management costs. Engaging with local communities and businesses to build supportive networks and promote regional uses of these grasses can also enhance their practicality. Ultimately, integrating perennial grasses effectively requires ensuring they align with existing farm operations, including considerations of soil, climate, and current practices, to achieve successful adoption and maximize their benefits.