Vegetables and Grass Winter Covers in Rotation

Abstract

ABSTRACT It may be that rotation of dispirit crops can allow for extended usage of cropland. Early and later maturing ryegrass varieties ‘Shiwasuaoba’ and ‘Gulf’ were planted as over-wintering covers. Controls consisted of a fall planted wheat species and bare soil. In the following spring the ryegrasses were clipped and the stubble left in place. The wheat was turned under. Biomass of the covers was determined. Sweet corn was planted using no-till techniques. Following harvest of sweet corn the stalks were tilled under and raised beds prepared. Bell pepper from transplants or cucumbers from seed were established. Harvests of the second vegetable crops occurred well before frost and the land was replanted to the ryegrasses or wheat or left bare. Yields from all crops were determined. Year affected results–yields of covers were higher in 2004 than 2005 with wheat producing the most biomass. Sweet corn yield was not affected by treatment, bell pepper had higher yields in 2004, and cucumber had higher yields in 2005. Total combined yields of all components (covers, sweet corn and bell pepper or cucumber) were generally better on land with covers than on land without a cover. Three crops could be produced on the same land in a year. The ryegrass ‘Shiwasuaoba’ matures earlier than does ‘Gulf’ and can be used for forage or a seed harvest. The system allows for diversity of production and for maximization of land usage.