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.
Data Access Statement
Available to any researcher on request
Data license
CC BY
Data policy
Yes (not online)
Organization
Rothamsted Research
research organisation
People
Dr Sarah Perryman
data manager
Rothamsted Research
Intelligent Data Ecosystems
Dr Andrew Gregory
principal investigator
Rothamsted Research
Protecting Crops and the Environment
Dr Ian Shield
principal investigator
Rothamsted Research

Site: Road Piece West

Type
research station field
Location
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Geographic location
51.80183875, -0.36711931
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Elevation
131 Metres
Visits permitted?
Yes
Visiting arrangements
By arrangement with Dr Andrew Gregory
Management
Fertilizers and pesticides are applied as necessary. The crop is hand harvested.
Climatic type
temperate oceanic climate
Climate properties
VariableTime periodValue (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
CropYears grown
Miscanthus sinensis
Factor
Factor name
Factor levels
nitrogen fertilizer exposure
Plot application: Whole plot
Effect: Cumulative
control exposure  (0 )
N1  (60 kgN/ha)
Application frequency: annually in spring
Chemical form: ammonium nitrate
N2  (120 kgN/ha)
Application frequency: annually in spring
Chemical form: ammonium nitrate
Measurements
VariableMaterialUnitsFrequencyScaleComment
plant biomassNot specifiedannual
plant heightNot specified
stem numberNot specified