Legume Interseed in Field Corn

Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE03-494

The goal of this project was to conduct an on-farm research trial to look at interseeding legumes and ryegrass into imidazolinone herbicide resistant field corn (IMI corn) at the time of planting. It was hoped that the interseeding would provide erosion control after the field corn was harvested and that it might also provide some nitrogen and possibly reduce pesticide use. Treatments included IMI corn with an annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass interseed, 2 IMI corn plots with different herbicide treatments, and an IMI corn plot with clover/alfalfa mix interseed.

Weeds were a problem in one portion of the legume plot and a mid-summer drought impaired the ryegrass plot. Steve believes that a heavier seeding rate of legumes may be needed on his light soils and that perhaps he should consider a legume species that is more adaptable to challenging soils. After corn harvest, some ryegrass growth resumed and the legume plots re-established themselves in the cool damp fall weather. Steve was very pleased with the growth and yields of the IMI corn.

Steve wants to try the project again with heavier seeding rates of the interseed, changes in the herbicide program, and larger plots.

• FNE03-494 Final Report
• Data Collection
• Soil Associations for Birch Meadow Farms