Competition to Early Growth of Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass

Saul Kelly Roman

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) (Host) Barkworth and D.R. Dewey; IWG) is a perennial grain crop developed as a sustainable alternative to traditional annual grain crops. IWG and clover as companion crops have been proposed as a potential strategy for enhancing crop productivity and ecosystem services. This greenhouse replacement study aimed to investigate the dynamics of species competition and cover rate between IWG and red clover (Trifolium pratense). Over 53 days, data on plant height and percent surface cover were collected approximately every week to assess these aspects and to test species competition and rate of cover. After 53 days, the final height and biomass were recorded for each plant. The central research question addressed whether red clover's presence would affect IWG growth and biomass production, and if so, to what extent. Planting IWG with red clover in a 3:3 ratio increased ground cover by 30% compared to treatments with pots that only contained IWG. Additionally, as the proportion of red clover increased relative to IWG, there was a corresponding increase in ground cover. This suggests that red clover has the ability to establish rapid ground cover and increase overall biomass, which could positively impact various agricultural practices or ecosystem management strategies. Regarding plant competition, in all treatments, the final weight of red clover exceeded that of IWG. Statistical regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between plant ratios (IWG to red clover) and the final weight of IWG plants. Although the final weight of IWG showed a significant relationship with the planting ratio, it was not negatively influenced by the presence of red clover. Notably, IWG plants with the highest final weight were observed in treatments with higher proportions of red clover, indicating a potential positive interaction between IWG and red clover, thus ruling out competitive inhibition. These plant growth patterns warrant further investigation in field settings. The findings underscore the potential benefits of optimizing crop combinations to enhance ground cover, suppress weed emergence, and maximize resource utilization in agricultural contexts.

Keywords

perennial agriculture, red clover, species competition, replacement study, ground cover, Clover, Intermediate wheat grass, perennial systems

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 22. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Theresa Ann Piskáčková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Milan Brankov, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources

Master programme:
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security