Register Now

EUBCE 2026 - Sylvain MARSAC - Miscanthus and Switchgrass’ Water Needs in Southwestern French Conditions

Miscanthus and Switchgrass’ Water Needs in Southwestern French Conditions

 Print

Biomass supply from agriculture, forestry, and sustainable cropping systems

Miscanthus and Switchgrass’ Water Needs in Southwestern French Conditions

Short Introductive summary

Local adaptation of Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) has to be supported with additionnal references on water use regarding climate change issues. Water use efficiency and drought tolerance of both crops were assesed in a long-field experiment established in Southwestern France from 2006 to 2020. Biomass yield was measured under different water regimes : rainfed, maximum evapotranspiration and 50% of maximum evapotranspiration. A precise drip irrigation system and capacitive sensors were used. Cumulative evapotranspiration during growing cycle and water use efficiency were measured. Functions of production for water have been developped and would detail conditions of rainfall and soil water capacity.

Presenter

Moderator portrait

Sylvain MARSAC

ARVALIS, R&D Dpt., FRANCE

Presenter's biography

Sylvain, agriculture engineer since 2003, works for ARVALIS a French R&D company for cash crop farmers. He carries out research on economics - profitability, farm competitiveness - and strategies to adapt farming system : Crop rotation management, Biomass use, double cropping systems.

Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited


Co-authors:

S. Marsac, ARVALIS, Baziège, FRANCE
L. Hermet, ARVALIS, Baziège, FRANCE
P. Larsonneau, ARVALIS, Baziège, FRANCE

Session reference: 1BV.4.9