An evaluation of corn yield, intercrop growth and soil nitrogen levels in silage and grain corn intercrop systems /

• Main Author: Hope-Simpson, Margaret E. (Margaret Ellen)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1992
• Subjects: Companion planting.; Corn > Yields.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=56662

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of earlier corn (Zea mays L.) harvest, on corn yield, intercrop growth, and soil N levels, and to evaluate the effects of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) compared to ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) as intercrops on corn yield and soil N levels. === After two years, earlier corn harvest did not result in greater intercrop growth or higher soil N levels compared with later corn harvest and there was no significant soil N contribution by legume intercrops in either harvest period. Thus, no soil N benefit was found from using intercrops in earlier harvest for silage compared to later harvest for grain corn, nor from using red clover compared to ryegrass as an intercrop. === In the early harvested silage system, a quadratic corn yield response to added N suggested that near-maximum corn dry matter yields were obtained at the rate of 140 kg N ha$ sp{-1}$. Maximum total dry matter yields were not obtained in the late harvest grain system in any site-year. Legume and non-legume intercrop species had similar effects on corn yield.