Plant care

In the year of planting, the new plants require a lot of care. This is especially true for weed control, which is absolutely necessary, and, in case of very dry, hot weather in the first 6 weeks after planting, also with respect to irrigation. Experienced growers can very well limit the amount of work in both aspects, e.g. by using a mulch covering film.

Before and after planting

Weed control begins even before planting with the preceding crop and proper tillage. After planting, complete mechanical containment can be applied. In contrast to the roots, the Miscanthus shoots/leaves are very robust and not very sensitive to mechanical contact. Approved PPPs may also be used. As with all PPPs, it is not only the quantity that matters, but also the exact time of its application. An expert should definitely be consulted here. There are very few approved PPPs for Miscanthus.

In the second year of growth, the dry stand should be mulched to a depth of 6-15 cm when new shoots appear (note weed pressure). In case of very high weed pressure, it may also be necessary to apply a foliar PPP before regrowth.

Planning of tramlines

In any case, as little soil compaction as possible by driving on the establishment area should take place. The passes should only be carried out as often as is really urgently necessary. Skillful planning during planting allows tramlines to be deliberately created. If these are not too wide, they will grow completely over in the following years.

Natural weed protection

The leaves falling down in winter quickly form a mulch layer in the first few years, which reliably suppresses the weeds. This means that from the third year of growth onwards no weed control measures are necessary.