What is switchgrass?
Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) is one of many warm-season perennial grasses native to North America. It is a natural component of the tallgrass prairie, which covered most of the Great Plains. It is also found on prairie soils from the southeastern U.S., westward to the Rocky Mountains, as far south as Mexico, and northward into Canada.
What is a switchyard?
Power Plant Switching Station (Switchyard) A station in the power transmission system at which electric power is transformed to a conveniently used form. The station may consist of transformers, switches, circuit breakers and other auxilliary equipment.
How do you take care of switchgrass plants?
Full sun also provides the best blossoms. Switchgrass is a fairly low-maintenance plant that requires little care to thrive. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, cut back old foliage to a few inches above the ground.
What is the function of switch function?
Switch function refers to the number of poles and throws it has. Schematic symbols are shown for SPST, SPDT, DPST, DPDT, and rotary switches. Three terms — pole, throw, and break — describe a switch’s function (Fig. 1.). “Pole” refers to the number of circuits that can be controlled by a switch.
Where did the term switch come from?
1590s, "slender riding whip," probably from a Flemish or Low German word akin to Middle Dutch swijch "bough, twig," or swutsche, variant of Low German zwukse "long thin stick, switch," from Germanic *swih- (source also of Old High German zwec "wooden peg," German Zweck "aim, design," originally "peg as a target," Zwick ...
What does it mean to pick a switch?
A switch is a flexible rod which is typically used for corporal punishment. Switching is similar to birching.
Does a switching hurt?
It leaves some welts, and if you were really bad, it might break the skin. Also, the thinner the switch, the worse it is- leading to the common additional punishment of making the child go and pick the switch, which is psychological torture at its finest.
What do rappers mean by switches?
"Hit a switch" is hip-hop slang for having a lot of crazy sex. Follow this answer to receive notifications.
What is switchgrass?
Switchgrass has come a long way from being the plain grass that dominated the native tall-grass prairies of North America. Many of the recent introductions bring longer displays of colors with varieties in glowing red and burgundy. When flowering, some switchgrass varieties boast a soft pink cast on their blossoms, making them an option to contrast the blue varieties. Come fall, the show intensifies, and many of the red-tinged varieties turn a rich burgundy color while other varieties take on a golden hue. In the winter, the dried flower heads bring texture to the garden, especially when dusted with snow.
When does switchgrass bloom?
It will spread slowly over time and make stunning vertical accents wherever it is planted. This warm-season grass blooms in mid- to late- summer.
How to keep switchgrass from falling over?
For the most vibrant colors, plant switchgrass in full sun. This also helps keep them from falling over, as many varieties can get quite large, upwards of 6 feet. In too much shade, many of these varieties, especially older ones, will fall if not supported. Full sun also provides the best blossoms.
When should I cut back switchgrass?
Switchgrass is a fairly low-maintenance plant that requires little care to thrive. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, cut back old foliage to a few inches above the ground. Because of their dense, slowly spreading habit, these plants make solid clumps of foliage that can easily choke out weeds.
Can switchgrass be planted in clay soil?
Switchgrass likes sandy soil with a fair amount of organic matter. For the best results, keep it evenly moist and avoid planting in soggy, heavy clay soil. Once established, switchgrass can handle droughts. There are even some species and cultivars that tolerate salt spray. Don't worry about fertilizing; switchgrass has an extensive root system that goes deep into the soil to get needed nutrients.
What is switch grass?
Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum) is an upright prairie grass that produces feathery delicate flowers from July to September. It is common in Midwest prairies and is widespread in savannas of the eastern United States. There are several switchgrass varieties to choose from and its high tolerance for different planting sites makes ornamental switchgra ss a great choice for any landscape. Providing height, flow, and drama, planting switchgrass brings it all to the decorative garden.
What is heavy metal switchgrass?
Heavy Metal is a rigid plant with metallic blue blades. Shenandoah is the smallest of the switchgrass varieties at a diminutive 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) tall. Rotstrahlbush and Warrior are just a couple of several other cultivars to consider for your garden.
How far apart should I plant switchgrass?
Plant switchgrass in a group spaced at least 12 inches (31 cm.) apart and they will grow together to make an interesting moving screen.
What type of soil should I use for switchgrass?
You can plant switchgrass in moderately moist soil or even dry conditions. Switchgrass thrives in sand, clay, or loam soil. The soil does need to be well drained and have minimum nutrient levels. That being said, it is always a good idea to incorporate organic matter to the planting hole, such as compost.
Is switchgrass a perennial?
The foliage is bluish green most of the time and produces a haze of soft color in the landscape. Switchgrass is a perennial plant that has incredible versatility and hardiness, growing well in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Is switchgrass a good choice for a landscape?
There are several switchgrass varieties to choose from and its high tolerance for different planting sites makes ornamental switchgrass a great choice for any landscape. Providing height, flow, and drama, planting switchgrass brings it all to the decorative garden.
What is switch grass?
What is Switchgrass? Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) is one of many warm-season perennial grasses native to North America. It is a natural component of the tallgrass prairie, which covered most of the Great Plains.
Why do switchgrass grow slowly in the summer?
Those from the north tend to grow slowly in the late summer due to shortening day length, while those from the south usually grow longer into the autumn; thus, producing higher yields if otherwise adapted.
How much dry matter does switchgrass produce?
Adapted lowland switchgrass varieties, suited to the southern U.S., frequently produce more than 10 tons/acre/year of dry matter, but it is more reasonable to expect 5 to 8 tons/acre under commercial conditions. Upland types growing in shallow soils are likely to average yields of 1 to 4 tons/acre/year. With the longer growing season in the southern latitudes, biomass yields in the south can be expected to be higher than in northern areas. High yields for all crops are dependent on good moisture conditions. As a component of rangeland, switchgrass yields are closely related to its growing conditions and are much lower in low rainfall areas and in shallow soils.
How much water should I use for switchgrass?
Soil can store one-half inch to two inches of water per foot of depth. If the soil is only one foot deep, the available water will only be sufficient to maintain switchgrass for a few daysor weeks without additional rain or irrigation. High yields are impossible without adequate water.
What is the relationship between switchgrass and high yield?
High yields for all crops are dependent on good moisture conditions. As a component of rangeland, switchgrass yields are closely related to its growing conditions and are much lower in low rainfall areas and in shallow soils.
How long does it take for switchgrass to grow?
It needs at least one month in the north to reach its reproductive stage and may use three months in the south to finish its vegetative growth stage. If not harvested, switchgrass spends the rest of the growing season developing seed and storing energy in its crowns, roots, and rhizomes.
Is switchgrass good for drought?
REQUIREMENTS. Even though switchgrass is tolerant of poor soil, droughty, and fl ooded conditions, it does have certain needs to produce economical biomass yields and persist for several years. High switchgrass yields have been recorded when the grass was grown under good conditions.
Where does switchgrass grow?
A native of the tallgrass prairies of North America, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) grows east of Rocky Mountains from Mexico in the south all the way north to Canada. It’s a warm grass that starts growing in the spring as soon as the weather improves and continuous its vigorous growth throughout the summer and fall.
What color are switchgrass leaves?
The leaves turn from blue-green to wine red in the summer. If you’re planning to grow switchgrass in the garden as an ornamental plant, I recommend either Prairie Fire or Shenandoah. Their compact size and decorative leaves make them ideal for any landscape.
How high do switchgrass blades grow?
The leaves grow out of scruffy-looking rhizomes and each blade averages about 35 inches high.
What is the color of the leaves on a Northwind grass?
The grass goes dormant in the fall and turns brown. Northwind: The leaves of this variety have a tubular shape and vary in color from deep green to olive green. It averages 5 feet and when it goes dormant in the fall, the leaves turn beige or yellow. Shenandoah: A compact variety more suitable for garden planting.
Can you grow switchgrass in a garden?
Growing Switchgrass – How To Plant And Care For Switchgrass. Contrary to what you might have heard, switchgrass is an ornamental grass that you can grow in your garden with surprisingly delightful results. Far from being an invasive plant or just another weed, switchgrass has design and landscaping values that make it a worthy addition ...
Is switchgrass an invasive plant?
Far from being an invasive plant or just another weed, switchgrass has design and landscaping values that make it a worthy addition to every garden. That said, there’s more to switchgrass than just its pretty blooms.
Can switchgrass be grown in a container?
Depending on the purpose you grow switchgrass, you’ll need to manage it well since it tends to spread out and claim all available space in your garden or yard. In the garden, it’s recommended that you grow it in a container to have better control over its shape and size.
What is an electrical switch?
A switch is an electromechanical device that completes or breaks a current path within a circuit, or sends current over a different path. Despite the many switch types, they have basic components in common. The operator initiates switch operation.
What is the purpose of a switch?
A switch is an electromechanical device that completes or breaks a current path within a circuit, or sends current over a different path. Despite the many switch types, they have basic components in common.
What is an actuator switch?
Switch glossary. Actuator — A movable part of a switch which causes a change in the electrical configuration of the switch. Examples of an actuator include toggle, rocker, slider, trigger, plunger, paddle, shaft, and button. Arcing — A visible electrical discharge between separated contacts.
What is the position of a switch actuator?
Position — The mechanical detents or stops of a switch actuator. Power factor — A measure of the inductive or capacitive character of an electrical load. Resistive load — The easiest load to switch because current and voltage are in a steady state on make, and drop instantly to zero on break.
What is a switch rating?
The rating is an indication of the maximum electrical load that a switch is capable of handling. A switch may be rated in either current or in horsepower. Often both ratings are provided, along with operating voltages.
What is a NO switch?
In an NO switch, the contacts are separated. The circuit is open and no current can flow through the switch. A typical example is an NO pushbutton switch. Pressing the pushbutton causes the contact element to move to the other of its extreme positions and close the circuit (Fig. 2).
What is a single pole switch?
A single-pole switch is capable of interrupting the current in a single circuit; a double-pole switch is capable of simultaneously interrupting the current in two separate circuits. “Throw” indicates the number of conductors or paths the switch can control.
What is an earth switch?
EARTHING SWITCH – also known as ground disconnect, which used to connects the equipment to a grid of electrical conductors buried in the earth on the station property. It is intended to protect people working on the grounded equipment.
What is a substation?
SUBSTATION. A station in the power transmission system at which electric power is transformed to a conveniently used form. The station may consist of transformers, switches, circuit breakers, and other auxiliary equipment. Its main function is to receive energy transmitted at high voltage from the generating station, ...
What is disconnect in electrical?
DISCONNECT – is an easily removed piece of the actual conductor of a circuit. The purpose of disconnects is to isolate equipment. Disconnects are not used to interrupt circuits; they are no-load devices. A typical use of disconnects is to isolate a circuit breaker by installing one disconnect on either side of the circuit breaker (in series with the breaker). Operation of disconnects is one of the most important and responsible jobs of a power plant operator. One error in isolation of equipment, or the accidental grounding of line equipment, can be a fatal mistake.
What is a current transformer?
CURRENT TRANSFORMER – Current transformer are used with ammeters, watt meters, power-factor meters, watt-hour meters,compensators, protective and regulating relays and the trip coil of circuit breakers. One current transformer can be used to operate several instruments, provided that the combined burden does not exceed that for which the transformer is designed and compensated. The current transformer is connected directly in series with the line.
Is a ground wire a preventive device?
OVERHEAD GROUND WIRE – by a ground wire is meant a wire, generally of steel, supported from the top of transmission-line towers and solidly grounded at each tower. It is considered a preventive device, but it does not entirely prevent the formation of travelling waves on a line.
