TY - THES ID - 146394194 TI - Validation of a predictive model of the forage potential of Kernza® (Thinopyrum intermedium) and evaluation of the effects of its association with different legumes AU - Guillaume, Antonin AU - Dumont, Benjamin AU - Massart, Sébastien AU - Fagnant, Laura AU - Beckers, Yves AU - Bindelle, Jérôme AU - Decruyenaere, Virginie AU - Duchene, Olivier PY - 2022 PB - Liège Université de Liège (ULiège) DB - UniCat KW - Kernza® - legumes – intercrop – forage quality – NIRS – feed value KW - Sciences du vivant > Agriculture & agronomie UR - https://www.unicat.be/uniCat?func=search&query=sysid:146394194 AB - Kernza® is a perennial grain crop derived from intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum 
intermedium (Host) Barkworth & Dewey) that offers many advantages over annual grain 
crops. In addition to its potential dual use for forage and grain production, it offers many 
ecosystem services. The integration of legume intercrops with the Kernza crop enhances these 
environmentally beneficial aspects. On the other hand, the beneficial effects of intercropping 
on Kernza yields have been demonstrated by several studies, especially due to the symbiotic 
relationship of legumes with Rhizobium spp. that allows the fixation of atmospheric N2. 
The analysis of the nutritional value of forages is essential to obtain optimal performance in 
animal production. Near infrared spectrometry offers a faster and less expensive prediction 
potential than reference methods. Two models of chemical composition prediction were 
compared, both of which offered acceptable predictions. These models were then used to 
predict the forage potential of intercrops of Kernza and 3 different legumes. Biomass yields 
were significantly higher in the monoculture microplots. The 3 legumes tested produced 
significantly different yields. Overall forage yields were highest for alfalfa and red clover. 
White clover had the highest forage potential values. ER -