Interseeded forage legume potential as winter ground cover, nitrogen source, and competitor

TLDR: Legume winter ground covers may contribute to row crop systems by providing protection from wind and precipitation and by releasing N to the subsequent row crop, but to attain effective size, these legumes must begin growth well before the winter.

Abstract: Legume winter ground covers may contribute to row crop systems by providing protection from wind and precipitation and by releasing N to the subsequent row crop, but to attain effective size, these legumes must begin growth well before the winter. A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate the performance of four commonly used forage legumes interseeded into corn (Zea mays L.). Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis Lam.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and alsike clover (T. hybridum L.) were seeded in a mix consisting of equal seed numbers (pure live seed) from each species. Seeding dates were (i) at corn planting and (ii) at last cultivation. Control treatments were nonseeded. Two levels of weed control also were evaluated [...]