Optimal Planting Date of Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass Intercropped with Red Clover

Abstract

Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) is a new perennial dual-use crop for grain and forage with growing interest among farmers. Intercropping IWG with red clover may increase yield and nutritive value through nitrogen transfer. IWG and red clover planting timing can affect grain and forage yield, and there has not been previous research on this management practice. At two locations (Arlington and Lancaster, WI, USA) a factorial experiment was established two years with two factors: (1) IWG planting date (August through October, and April) and (2) red clover planting season (in the fall with IWG or frost seeded in the next spring). Yield data were collected for two subsequent years. Grain yield was maximized at 515 kg ha−1 and 423 kg ha−1 at Arlington and Lancaster when planted by 26 August and 13 September, respectively. Planting date influenced grain yields in the first harvest year but not in the second. Seeding red clover in the spring increased IWG and red clover biomass compared to seeding it in the fall. In Wisconsin, planting IWG by early September at the latest and planting red clover in the spring is recommended to maximize grain yield.

Keywords

• intermediate wheatgrass
• planting date
• intercrop
• red clover
• perennial grains
• dual-use forages