What critical soil condition must Panicum virgatum meet for long-term health besides light exposure?
Answer
Well-draining conditions
While Switchgrass is remarkably adaptable concerning soil type, tolerating everything from sandy soils to heavy clay, its one non-negotiable requirement for long-term survival and health relates to moisture management. The soil must be well-draining. Although established plants exhibit significant drought tolerance due to their extensive root systems, they cannot tolerate roots sitting in soggy or perpetually waterlogged soil. Poor drainage is detrimental because it leads to root stress and eventual decline, even though the plant is naturally found in varied moisture environments, including floodplains; this latter tolerance implies resilience to periodic inundation rather than constant saturation.
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