Effects of a Miscanthus-cultivation on the soil fertility and the soil water reservoir

The effect of accumulated organic residues on the reproduction of soil organic matter was determined at the base of investigations on biomass formation of established Miscanthus stands. A yearly accumulating quantity of 8,5 t/ha organic substance, reproducing the content of organic substance in the soil, was detected in more than 8 years old stands of Miscanthus. The following soil properties were influenced by Miscanthus cultivation in a sustainable and positive way: C-, N- and K-content, cation exchange capacity, water retention. A water need of 250 mm for 10 t/ha dry matter was calculated. Practically there was no formation of ground water under Miscanthus during the investigations.