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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #195934
Title: INTERCROPPING WINTER CEREAL GRAINS AND RED CLOVER

Author
item GIBSON, L - IA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Singer, Jeremy
item BARNHART, S - IA STATE UNIVERSITY
item BLASER, B - IA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Agricultural Experiment Station Publication
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/23/2006
Publication Date: 6/7/2006
Citation: Gibson, L.R., Singer, J.W., Barnhart, S., Blaser, B.C. 2006. Intercropping winter cereal grains and red clover. Agricultural Experiment Station Publication. Available: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM2025.pdf

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Energy, economic, environmental, and pest issues are leading some crop producers to diversity beyond the corn/soybean rotation dominant in Iowa. Research by Iowa State University and the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Soil Tilth Laboratory indicates intercropping of winter cereal grains, such as wheat and triticale, with red clover is a promising option for producers wanting to expand their crop rotation. This system can provide a hedge against weather extremes, disease and insect outbreaks, and high production costs. It provides better distribution of labor and equipment, price risk reduction, improved cash flow, and significant additional income if straw is marketed. Red clover, as a soil-building green manure crop, can significantly reduce nitrogen fertilizer needs. It can also provide multiple years of high-value forage.