Exploring the Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Perennial Wheat Performance

Bread wheat is adopted in crop rotations in western Washington state as an effective way to break disease cycles of high value crops like potatoes and to contribute to the soil organic matter balance through its residue biomass. The commercial deployment of perennial wheat could increase the rotational benefits derived from grain production by reducing soil disturbance and the labor associated with crop establishment. To achieve this the rate of plants completing a second production cycle needs to be improved. Plants’ life strategies, while genetically determined, are profoundly affected by environmental factors. Nitrogen availability might play a crucial role in determining the perennial wheat plants’ ability to thrive after the completion of their first production cycle. We intend to conduct a two-year field study where perennial wheat breeding lines will receive four levels of nitrogen fertilization to observe its effects on post-harvest survival rate and multi-year agronomic performance.