Publication Date
1997
Description
A novel low input system for growing cereals, so far mainly winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L), in close association with white clover (Trifolium repens L), is being developed currently, co-operatively by five research stations in northern Europe. An established sward of pure white clover is defoliated in the autumn and winter wheat drilled into it using a rotary type direct drill. After silage or grain harvest of the cereal/clover mixture the clover regrowth may add to the productivity of the system until defoliation and drilling-in of the next cereal crop takes place. With the system described dry matter yields of 7.5 - 13.0 tonnes per ha have been achieved at the soft dough stage of wheat development. Chemical quality parameters were not improved compared with conventionally grown wheat. The white clover/cereal bi-cropping system offers significantly reduced costs relating to tillage, fertilizer nitrogen and other agrochemicals. The perennial clover understorey also probably reduces soil erosion and leaching of nutrients and adds to the overall biodiversity of arable land.
Citation
Koefoed, N; Clements, R O.; Burke, J; Donaldson, G; and Purvis, G, "Potential of a Novel White Clover/ Cereal Bi-Cropping System for Whole Crop Forage Production" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 36.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session19/36
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Potential of a Novel White Clover/ Cereal Bi-Cropping System for Whole Crop Forage Production
A novel low input system for growing cereals, so far mainly winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L), in close association with white clover (Trifolium repens L), is being developed currently, co-operatively by five research stations in northern Europe. An established sward of pure white clover is defoliated in the autumn and winter wheat drilled into it using a rotary type direct drill. After silage or grain harvest of the cereal/clover mixture the clover regrowth may add to the productivity of the system until defoliation and drilling-in of the next cereal crop takes place. With the system described dry matter yields of 7.5 - 13.0 tonnes per ha have been achieved at the soft dough stage of wheat development. Chemical quality parameters were not improved compared with conventionally grown wheat. The white clover/cereal bi-cropping system offers significantly reduced costs relating to tillage, fertilizer nitrogen and other agrochemicals. The perennial clover understorey also probably reduces soil erosion and leaching of nutrients and adds to the overall biodiversity of arable land.
