Annual ~ Perennial by Steve Renich

GigaPan; Canon SD850 4x optica...

Wheat planted in September of '08 is seen beside perennial wheatgrass. These plants were taken from our root tube array in April '09. Both are coming out of winter dormancy and starting their spring growth. We will see further comparisons as we follow plant development through the lifespan of the annual wheat as it matures for harvest in July. We expect the roots of the wheat to develop to 2 to 3 feet in length (This image is about 3 feet x 12 feet). The annual wheat develops over about a 10 month season from a seed in bare ground to a plant with a root system maybe 3 feet deep. The wheatgrass has a root system reaching to nearly 10 feet deep and protects the soil year round. Wheatgrass, a close relative of annual wheat, is a perennial grass producing a grain able to be milled and utilized for food production. It has potential as a food source for humans; crop production will require further development by crossing and selection of strains for desirable characteristics. Also, by crossing with annual wheat, strains are being selected with traits for both food production and perenniality.

This image is taken from www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=22053 and is about 3 ft wide by 12 ft long

Root Tube Array: www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=7174
Root Tube Lift: www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=22036
Root Photo Setup: www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=8037
To see these in the field: www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=6676
To learn more of our work at The Land Institute: www.landinstitute.org /