Title: The effect of nurse crops on the establishment of pasture
Abstract:Abstract The effect of a rape (Brassica napus L.) nurse crop on the establishment of new pasture is described. The inclusion of rape affected pasture establishment detrimentally on highly fertile soil...Abstract The effect of a rape (Brassica napus L.) nurse crop on the establishment of new pasture is described. The inclusion of rape affected pasture establishment detrimentally on highly fertile soil, but on less fertile soil the effects were small and confined chiefly to the establishment period. Pasture suppression was greater with a 2 lb/ac rape seeding than with a ½ lb seeding. The competitive effect of the nurse crop was increased as a result of reducing the amount of ryegrass (Lolium) sown in the pasture mixture. The suppression effects of the rape nurse crop on the various pasture species are described. White clover (Trifolium repens L.), in particular, proved very susceptible to competition. The use of rape as a nurse crop is not recommended for high-fertility conditions.Read More