Link to post

Link to study

This development signals that it may be possible for perennial grains to hold their own against annuals in terms of yield, while maintaining traits that improve soil health. Only time will tell, but it’s exciting news. (End)

The main drawback is that roots became shallower, possibly reducing drought tolerance compared to pre-domestication lines.

This was accomplished through increased leaf size and productivity, root length, and total carbon acquisition.

These simultaneous enhancements in functionality allowed for the plant to maintain a dense root network, essential to the species’ environmental benefits, while driving higher yields.

Fortunately, a paper recently came out addressing this concern. The authors found that, as grain yields increase, instead of diverting energy away from other plant structures, Kernza plants instead increased their total rates of resource acquisition.

I've been saying this for years! We would become a proper country if we made the switch

Iirc they were introduced to the region due to the tree-ing of the great plains, which allowed them to hopscotch across the former sea of grass.

Biome degradation has knock-on effects into other bioregions

This country would be so much more functional if it weren't for the powerful alfalfa lobby. It sounds like a joke but its 100% real