Can the Perennial Grain Crop Kernza Yield Both Forage and Grain?.

Kernza is the trade name for a perennial grain crop being bred from lines of intermediate wheatgrass, a widely adapted, high-yielding, high-quality, cool-season forage grass. Recent reports of Kernza grain yields have been promising, but economic realities dictate that increases in yields will be needed for farmers in the Midwest to adopt this crop. A potential approach to speed adoption rates is to add-value of this perennial grain system, by harvesting not just the grain, but also the forage. This dual-use approach could give livestock, dairy, and other diversified farmers additional revenue and flexibility in their system. However, the ability of Kernza to provide both grain and forage has yet to be rigorously evaluated. A study was initiated to evaluate the potential of Kernza as a dual-use crop across 7 sites in 6 states. Timing and frequency of defoliation were manipulated to assess effects on Kernza yield and forage quality over two years. Results from the establishment years indicate a large variation in grain yields and forage quality over the study area. Spring defoliation generally reduced yield and plant height relative to control plots. The implications of defoliation on grain yield will be discussed.