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Harvesting forage of the perennial grain crop kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium) increases root biomass and soil nitrogen cycling

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A Correction to this article was published on 08 March 2019

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Abstract

Background and aims

Emerging perennial grain crops yield less grain than annual crops, but the economic viability of these perennial systems could be improved if both forage and grain are harvested. However, the belowground consequences of forage removal in perennial grain systems are unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of the additional harvest of forage biomass on overall plant biomass allocation and labile soil C and N dynamics within a perennial grain dual-use system.

Methods

Plant biomass and associated soil samples of a perennial grain [Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium)] were taken monthly over the first three growing seasons under three harvest regiments: No Cut (0x), Summer Cut (1x), and Summer and Fall Cut (2x).

Results

The harvesting of forage biomass significantly increased both above- and belowground biomass. The once and twice forage-harvested treatments averaged 39% and 73% greater root biomass in 2016 and 39% and 49% greater root biomass in 2017 relative to the treatment not harvested for forage. Soil indicators of carbon and nitrogen storage were not affected by forage harvest but mineralizable carbon, an indicator of nutrient cycling, was greater under the forage harvested treatments.

Conclusions

The harvest of forage and grain promoted nutrient availability and overall productivity (forage, root and grain biomass) relative to harvesting for grain only. Our findings suggest dual-use management of Kernza can provide a productive and profitable pathway for perennial grain adoption.

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Change history

  • 08 March 2019

    In the published version, the article title was presented incorrectly. The word “cycling” was inadvertently deleted. The correct title is shown here.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Stuti Sharma, Meredith Mann, Phoo Pye Zone, and Anthony Fulford for their assistance in the field and laboratory. We thank Lee DeHaan and the Land Institute for supplying Kernza seed and threshing grain for us. Support for this work was provided by the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University.

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  1. School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Ohio State University, 1680 Madison Ave, Wooster, OH, 44691, USA

    Jennie Y. Pugliese, Steve W. Culman & Christine D. Sprunger

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  1. Jennie Y. Pugliese
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  2. Steve W. Culman
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Correspondence to Jennie Y. Pugliese.

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Pugliese, J.Y., Culman, S.W. & Sprunger, C.D. Harvesting forage of the perennial grain crop kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium) increases root biomass and soil nitrogen cycling. Plant Soil 437, 241–254 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-019-03974-6

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