Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Agronomic Crops Team On-Farm Research Projects 2001

Special Circular 187

Wheat

Effect of Modified Relay Intercropping on Wheat Yield

Steve Prochaska, Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent

Objective

To evaluate the effect of Modified Relay Intercropping (MRI) on wheat yield in a 15-inch-row spacing.

Background

Cooperator: Ohio State University Extension Soil Test: pH 6.6, P 63 lb/A, K 245 lb/A
  Unger Farm Fertilizer: 27-69-60 actual N-P-K per A
County: Crawford   (Fall); 28% (99 lb/A actual N)
Nearest Town: Bucyrus   on March 26
Soil Type: Pewamo clay loam and Variety: Agra 962
  Blount silt loam Planting Rate: 120 lb/A
Drainage: Systematic Planting Date: Wheat 10/4/00
Previous Crop: Soybeans   Soybean 6/5/01
Tillage: Disk Harvest Date: Wheat 7/12/01

Methods

What level of wheat yield can be expected from wheat grown in wide rows that is also intercropped? This question, the object of this study, is important to producers in wheat/soybean double-crop systems. A completely randomized block design (six replications) in small plots (5.5 x 50 feet) was used to evaluate the effect of MRI on wheat yield. Treatments were 15-inch-row wheat and 15-inch-row wheat interseeded with soybeans. Wheat and soybeans were planted with a three-point hitch-mounted tool-bar planter equipped with sunflower openers. Soybeans were interseeded with the same planter used to seed wheat. Wheat harvest was done with a small plot combine and yields adjusted to 13.5% moisture.

Results

Table 1. Wheat Yield @ 13.5% Moisture.1
Treatment Wheat Yield1
bu/A
Not interseeded 79.2
Interseeded 68.0
LSD (0.05) 4.2
F 35.7
CV (%) 4.2
1 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different.

Summary

Wheat yield differed by 11 bushels per acre between wheat in 15-inch rows and wheat interseeded in 15-inch rows. This yield difference is 14%, which is slightly larger than expected. This may be due to the wide wheat rows and damage while interseeding.

For more information, contact:

Steve Prochaska
Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources
117 E. Mansfield St.
Bucyrus, Ohio 44820
prochaska.1@osu.edu

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