Long-term Miscanthus Experiment
- Local identifier
- R/CS/408
- Years operational
- 1993— (Establishment period end: 1995)
- Objective
- To quantify the biomass yield potential of Miscanthus sinensis giganteus
- Description
- Miscanthus was transplanted on 25th May 1993. The Rothamsted crop has remained productive since with no sign of yield decline and is now believed to be one of the oldest stands in the world. The experiment is now maintained to determine how long a single planting may remain productive and to monitor for pests and diseases that may threaten productivity.
- Farm operation data?
- Sample archive?
- Samples available?
- Data Access Statement
- Available to any researcher on request
- Data license
- CC BY
- Data policy
- Yes (not online)
- Organization
- Rothamsted Researchresearch organisation
- People
- Dr Sarah Perrymandata managerRothamsted ResearchComputational and Analytical SciencesDr Andy Macdonaldprincipal investigatorRothamsted ResearchSASDr Ian Shieldprincipal investigatorRothamsted Research
Site: Road Piece West
- Type
- research station field
- Location
- HarpendenHertfordshireUnited Kingdom
- Geographic location
- 51.80183875, -0.36711931
- Elevation
- 131 Metres
- Visits permitted?
- Yes
- Visiting arrangements
- By arrangement
- Management
- Fertilizers and pesticides are applied as necessary. The crop is hand harvested.
- Climatic type
- temperate oceanic climate
- Climate properties
Variable Time period Value (range) Units precipitation 1981 – 2010 733 (515.5 – 973.5) millimeter air temperature 1981 – 2010 9.8 (8.51 – 10.89) degree Celsius
Design period: Main period (1993—)
- Design Type
- Randomized complete block design
- Design description
- 3 randomised blocks of 3 plots each
- Number of blocks
- 3
- Number of plots
- 9
- Crop
Crop Years grown Miscanthus sinensis - Factor
- nitrogen fertilizer exposure Plot application: Whole plotEffect: Cumulative
control exposure (0 )
N1 (60 kgN/ha)
Application frequency: annually in springChemical form: ammonium nitrateN2 (120 kgN/ha)
Application frequency: annually in springChemical form: ammonium nitrate
- nitrogen fertilizer exposure
- Measurements
Variable Material Units Frequency Scale Comment plant biomass Not specified annual plant height Not specified stem number Not specified