Kernza perennial grain crop enhancement through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi integration for improved soil health
Research collaboration opportunity investigating how arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi enhance Kernza perennial grain crop performance and soil health. The project explores whether newer generations of Kernza show increased responsiveness to AM fungi, potentially improving soil aggregate stability and supporting sustainable agriculture systems.
Overview
This research collaboration opportunity focuses on enhancing Kernza, a novel perennial grain crop, through strategic integration with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The central hypothesis is that Kernza is becoming increasingly responsive to AM fungi as it undergoes selection for desirable agronomic traits, which simultaneously improves soil health metrics such as aggregate stability. This work addresses a critical need in sustainable agriculture by developing cropping systems that enhance both crop productivity and soil ecosystem function.
Technical specifications
The research encompasses multiple experimental approaches:
- Greenhouse studies measuring AM fungi effects on Kernza biomass production across five generations (heritage variety and cycles 1, 3, 5, and 9)
- Field experiments with three-year duration assessing prairie AM fungal soil amendments in Kernza monocultures
- Soil health assessments including aggregate stability measurements and additional soil health metrics
- AM fungal identity investigations to determine whether specific fungal species produce different outcomes
- Trait linkage analysis connecting AM fungal responsiveness to other desirable Kernza characteristics
Preliminary data from two published greenhouse studies (8-10 weeks duration) and one field experiment (three-year duration) have demonstrated that AM fungi effects on Kernza biomass production increase across successive generations, with prairie AM fungi amendments showing marginal increases in soil aggregate stability.
Technology readiness level
This research is at an early-to-intermediate validation stage. Prior greenhouse and field experiments have established proof-of-concept trends showing generational increases in AM fungal responsiveness and marginal improvements in soil aggregate stability. Future validation plans include two additional greenhouse studies and one long-term field experiment spanning three growing seasons to confirm these trends, assess AM fungal identity effects, and link fungal responsiveness to broader Kernza trait improvements. The funding opportunity would specifically support undergraduate research assistant wages and soil health metric testing costs.
About University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a comprehensive public research university with a multi-campus footprint centered in Lawrence and Kansas City, Kansas, combining broad academic depth with a strong applied-research culture. Industry engages through a research and technology park adjacent to campus that provides flexible lab and office space, with shared core facilities and streamlined contracting to speed sponsor work. Integration with a major academic health system and a medical center enables clinical partnerships and access to diverse patient populations. Proximity to the Kansas City metro connects partners to the region’s innovation ecosystem, while research is supported by funding from agencies such as NIH and NSF, and the technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startups.
delivered to your inbox.