Intercropping: Wheat-Chicory (Pilot Year)
PCDF
To evaluate intercropping potential for wheat and chicory.
The data presented here are for the pilot year, which seeks to establish proof-of-concept. PCDF plans to
continue the trial in 2021, with some modifications (detailed below). Treatment 5 differed from the
check (wheat-only) (Table 1). However, the difference stems from variation in plot yield (bu/ac) for
Treatment 5 (Rep 1 = 84.7, Rep 2 = 82.3, Rep 3 = 71.4). Stand establishment for Treatment 5, Rep 3 was
poor, resulting in lower yield relative to the other plots for that treatment.
The results for the pilot year suggest that the lower seeding rates for chicory provide unsatisfactory
results for establishing a chicory crop, based on the number of plants observed per plot. The trial will be
redesigned for 2021 to use higher seeding rates (3 and 4 lb/ac) and additional intercrops (barley, oat and
wheat), for 6 entries in total.
There are no registered herbicides for chicory, making intercropping more challenging. Good weed
control prior to seeding is crucial. The trial was hand-weeded.
Chicory is a short-lived, broadleaf perennial that has gained the attention of livestock producers for its
high production potential, excellent nutritional qualities, and deep taproot. The crop may be seeded
alone or as part of a chicory-grass or chicory-legume mixture. For a good summary of chicory cultivation
see this agronomy factsheet, prepared by Penn State University. Figure 1 shows second-year chicory
plants at PCDF. (Note that the taproot is broken off.)
The trial examines the potential for establishing chicory with a wheat crop. This would provide
producers with the opportunity to benefit from a cash crop during the establishment year.