Integrating multipurpose perennial grains crops in Western European farming systems

Abstract

Western European agriculture is largely defined by the high level of productivity of its cereal grain production. Such productivity is largely a result of farm specialization and intensification. This approach however has led to environmental problems and farm sensitivity to climatic and economic hazards. Recently, perennial grains have been promoted as a potential alternative, particularly with intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium). Perennial grains bring new perspectives and innovation, and can contribute to both system diversification and environmental performance. Above all, the value of yearround ground cover and root activity, as well as the ability to harvest both grain and forage production, offers a large range of interest and potential application for such a grain crop. Realization of the potential benefits from perennial grains depends on the development of suitable seed material and the identification of tangible economic and environmental benefits coming from the integration of perennial grains into crop rotations. Although more work is needed, perennial grains are compatible with the current European interests and policies for food security, soil health, water quality, and farmer interest in innovative practices and sustainable cropping systems.

Perspectives on Perennial Grain Crop Production among Organic and Conventional Farmers in France and the United States

“…Whereas almost a near equal proportion of conventional (44%) and organic (43%) farmers had previous knowledge of perennial grains, a lesser proportion of farmers in France (36%) than in the US (68%) had heard of perennial grains before the survey (Table 2). This could be due to a greater amount of research on perennial grains in the US over the last few decades [4,5,[30][31][32][33][34][35][36], compared to Europe where research is limited, except for some research initiatives in Italy, Sweden, France, and Germany [6,22,[37][38][39].…”

“…US and conventional vs. organic farmers. We chose to focus on France and the US because both countries are among the top five global producers of wheat [2], and because we are actively working with perennial grains in both countries [7,22]. France and the US are both leaders in agroecology and thus are home to farmers who might be particularly interested in perennial grains.…”

Introducing Perennial Grain in Grain Crops Rotation: The Role of Rooting Pattern in Soil Quality Management

“…The recent development of perennial grain breeding programs has highlighted the value of the wheat wild-relative 'intermediate wheatgrass' [1] (Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey) to support the transition to multifunctional agroecological systems [2,3]. In addition to its ability to produce an interesting forage-grain dual income [4,5], its regrowth capacity for several years would achieve substantial production at minimal soil and environmental costs [6].…”

Regulating soil bacterial diversity, community structure and enzyme activity using residues from golden apple snails

“…Due to the greater inputs of agrochemicals and synthetic chemical fertilizers required by an increasing population 1 – 3 , the progression of intensive agriculture has resulted in severe soil erosion 4 , acidification 5 and loss of fertility and biodiversity 6 , 7 . Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) inputs to terrestrial ecosystems have increased three to fivefold 8 over the past century.…”