Companion or Nurse Crops

In general, seeding companion crops with perennial grasses or forbs is not recommended as they provide too much competition for seedlings and will typically reduce the subsequent seedling and stand establishment and forage yield, particularly when moisture is limited. However, under eroding conditions, in heavy clay soils prone to crusting, or in higher precipitation areas, they can be successfully used.

Decrease the companion crop seeding rate to a maximum of 15 Pure Live Seed (PLS) pounds per acre and seed the crops at right angles or in alternate rows to reduce competition.

Irrigated companion crops may be used at full or reduced rates and harvested for forage or grain. Irrigation will be applied to meet the needs of the seeding. Under dryland conditions companion crops are not recommended for establishing pasture or hayland where annual precipitation is less than 16 inches. In areas where annual precipitation is 16 inches or greater, or where erosion is a concern, a spring grain companion crop may be seeded at the following rates.

Companion crops are best removed early as hay or silage leaving a tall stubble (6 to 8 inches) for snow trapping. However, they may be harvested for grain. When grass and/or legumes are seeded with the companion, crop seeding depth will not exceed one inch.

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Last Modified: 08/21/2008