Agronomic performance, nitrogen acquisition and water-use efficiency of the perennial grain crop Thinopyrum intermedium in a monoculture and intercropped with alfalfa in Scandinavia

Abstract The perennial forage grass Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & Dewey, commonly known as intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) or by the commercial name Kernza™, is being developed a grain crop, i.e. bred for its improved agronomic performance and food qualities. Intercropping legumes grasses strategy improving resource use sustainability in cropping systems. Here, we show first time of IWG cereal grown monocrop an intercrop (alternate row, 0.5:0.5) with Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa/lucerne) southern Sweden. seeds cycle 3 were accessed from Land Institute (TLI) Salinas, Kansas, USA, used to establish local seed production plot (in 2014) establishment systems 2016) utilised this study. Both sown 25 cm row spacing alternate rows alfalfa (i.e. replacement design) unknown sowing density. provided sustained under dry conditions 2018, but also following year. This was evidently associated higher nitrogen accumulation intercropped practice. Thus, intercropping seems have stabilised when similar that same result further supported lower discrimination against 13 C (as indicator water efficiency) components compared sole crop 2018. indicates high efficiency comparison monoculture, conclude crops provides better growing terms acquisition, status, cope more extreme drought spells expected climate change.