Effects of Corn Row Pattern and Intercropping with Legumes on Silage Corn
1990
Jellum, E. J. | Kuo, S.
Where a substantial portion of the growing season is too cool for corn (Zea mays L.) growth in areas such as the Puget Sound region of Washington, increased production might be achieved by intercropping corn with temperate forage legumes. A paired-row arrangement of silage corn for intercropping was tested on a Sultan silt loam (fine silty, mixed, mesic, Aquic Xerofluvent). The paired-row pattern, with 12 in. between the two rows of the pair and 60 in. between pairs, was compared in monoculture with a conventional 30-in. single-row pattern. Fertilizer treatments ranged from 0 to 180 lb N/acre; and 0, 26, and 39 lb P/acre. Dry matter yields and tissue concentrations of N, P, and K varied among years and fertility levels, but were not significantly different between the two corn row patterns (P < 0.05). This suggests that paired rows are a viable alternative to single rows for intercropping. In companion studies, paired-row corn was intercropped with either ‘Saranac’ alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or ‘Kenland’ red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). The corn was no-till planted in paired rows on 5-, 7.5-, and 13-ft centers and monocropped in the same spacing and density using conventional tillage. The 5-ft spacing of the intercrops was the most promising overall compromise for the production of quality dairy fodder with regards to the balance of biomass and crude protein. Higher N and K rates were required for intercropped than for monocropped corn, judging from their concentrations in the ear leaf.
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