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Developing Root Trait Targets from Carbon/Nitrogen Dynamics of Kura Clover-Maize Intercrop Studies
Understand the root system architecture and intrinsic C allocation dynamics of Kura clover
Investigate suppression management effects on N availability to intercropped maize.
Characterize Kura-maize intercrop niche complementarity
Lead - Shayla Gunn (DDPSC)
Nitrogen Transfer from Alfalfa to Kernza and Pin Oak
Quantify how alfalfa takes up N, then transfers N to Kernza and pin oak through its litter material
Learn how N is stored in different parts of Kernza and pin oak plants
Lead - Ranjith Udawatta (MU)
Plant Community Composition, Diversity, and Precipitation Effects on Carbon Retention and Loss in Grassland Soils
Test whether root decomposition or exudates generate greater soil microbial respiration
Lead - Laura Podzikowski (KU)
Using Perennial Polycultures as a Stepping Stone Between Degraded Land and Restored Native Ecosystem
Determine whether planting Kernza can improve the growth, nutrient uptake, and water use of subsequently planted grasses, forbs, and legumes
Lead - Leila Rquibi (CBG)
Understanding Influences and Causality in Plant Root Trait-Root Microbiome Relationships
Analysis to understand the influences of plant traits on the root microbiome and the influence of the root microbiome on root traits
Lead - Alicia Foxx (CBG)
Effects of Perennial Crops on Soil Health
Measure microbial community structure to understand the relationships between organic carbon and microbial communities of Kernza and alfalfa grown in biculture
Lead - Ranjith Udawatta (MU)
Automated Petal Counting and Yield Estimates in Silphium
Develop technology to automatically count Silphium petals
Determine whether petal counts correspond to seed counts to determine yield
Lead - Abby Stylianou (SLU)
Silphium Root Allocation Patterns in Response to Watering Regimes
Characterize development of Silphium roots in three time frames
Learn how roots and rhizomes respond to top-down and bottom watering regimes
Learn how above- and belowground traits vary over time.
Lead - Tyler Thrash (DDPSC/SLU)
Genotype-Microbiome Interactions Affecting Root Traits and Flood Tolerance
Determine how host and microbiome relationships affect aerenchyma formation and tolerance to waterlogging.
Lead - Joel Swift (KU)
Evaluate Soil Water Dynamics Among Vegetation Types
Determine how water use of Kernza (grown in biculture or with fertilizer) compares to water use of corn and soybean rotations.
Lead - Ranjith Udawatta (MU)