How is corn intercropping done?

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Maize is a very efficient crop in converting sunlight into biomass. Also, this plant consumes nutrients and fertilizers with high productivity and is an effective source of fodder for livestock. However, harvesting corn late in autumn and leaving the soil bare in winter causes runoff and the risk of soil erosion. Cultivation of a cover crop after corn harvest, which provides a cover over corn residues in winter, prevents soil erosion and provides soil health and many environmental benefits, as well as having a high potential for additional forage production. But in practice, the cultivation of cover crops after corn harvest has not been very successful. For this reason, delayed intercropping methods of cover crop have responded better within the maize plant population.

Cultivation of cover crops is done after corn harvest in order to create a cover on corn residues in winter, in order to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health and many environmental benefits. In addition, cover crop cultivation has a high potential to produce additional fodder and can be used as a source of nutrition for livestock. This method of cultivation provides high productivity in the consumption of nutrients and fertilizers, while reducing the risk of runoff and soil erosion.

Delayed propagation of different plants is the propagation of two or more plant species in the same field, which interfere with each other in part of the growth and development period of the plants. It should be noted that seeding is less effective and the seeds must be placed linearly between the rows of corn seed planting. Of course, the success of this method is highly dependent on the right time of cultivation, the type of plant and the machinery used. Therefore, it is necessary for the propagating plant to be fast-growing and sprout before closing the crown of the corn trees and creating shade. Also, the propagating plant should not have too much competition with corn. However, in poor soils, there is a risk of reduced corn yield. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this method in farms that have low yield corn.

The best time for delayed intercropping in corn is at the 6-8 leaf stage or one week after the last herbicide application. At this stage, the corn is fully established and can compete with the cover crop. Also, the cover crop will have the least effect of residual herbicides. Therefore, planting cover crops between corn rows will have the least effect on corn. During the cultivation of cover crops, it is necessary to use suitable machinery for cultivation so that the maximum contact between the seed and the soil is established and a suitable green surface is provided. Recent studies show that Italian ryegrass plants are suitable for delayed intercropping in modern livestock farms, which have a corn-corn rotation system. This cover plant has the ability to provide suitable spring fodder. Under the right conditions, planting 15 to 20 kg of Italian ryegrass seeds between corn rows in the summer is very successful and will produce about 3 tons of dry matter with 12% protein by the following spring. This amount of forage per hectare of corn field is roughly equivalent to 1,500 days of grazing ewe or 300 days grazing heifers.

For this reason, this amount of forage production is valuable and usually offsets the additional costs. In addition, it has significant benefits for the environment because large amounts of fertilizers and nutrients prevent leaching and increase agricultural productivity.

In general, this method currently faces the least proliferation. However, due to the increase in prices of factors and numerous environmental problems, it will be necessary to use delayed intercropping between corn rows in the future.

The use of cover plants among the growth lines of the particles will preserve the soil and prevent water flows and soil erosion, but the main productivity of this approach will be to maintain the health of the soil. Despite the presence of living root structures in the soil, the amount of organic matter increases and there will be a higher level of microbial activity. This means that microorganisms and earthworms themselves return more organic matter to the soil. Such soil is also not only healthy, but even more fertile. Therefore, the delayed intercropping of cover plants next to the corn plant is a process that has benefited both.

Between corn rows, the bare soil before and after harvest is a suitable space for creating runoff on the ground. This runoff can lead to leaching of nitrogen from the field. In a study in England, it was proven that planting a delayed mixture of corn and Italian ryegrass prevented an average of 42 kg of nitrogen per hectare during winter days compared to bare soil. In similar conditions and using other types of cover plants, a reduction of 20 kg of nitrogen per hectare was observed. Delayed planting of corn mix helps improve soil retention, especially on sloping land. Also, the presence of cover plant causes higher nitrogen retention. It also provides more fodder production for grazing and silage, creating a green field during the winter months. Delayed intercropping of cover crops with corn can help corn farmers reduce damage caused by late-season harvest and soil compaction. However, it is important to properly install cover plants to prevent wash-off after rain. Therefore, the use of suitable cultivation machinery has an effective presence in the installation of cover plants. Considering all these cases, it is recommended to do delayed mixed cultivation of cover plants inside corn rows only in favorable conditions and if you have suitable machinery.

Important points for delayed intercropping in corn fields:

- Avoid delayed intercropping in fields with heavy weeds.
- For sowing, it is better to do it at the stage of 6-8 leaves of corn, not at the time of sowing.
- For best results, you can use certified cover plant seeds.