Trial Report Summary

Oat-Cover Crop (Year 1 and 2)

Crop Type(s):
Oats
Centre(s):
PCDF
Year(s):
2021
Collaborators(s):

PCDF

Objective(s):

To evaluate intercropping potential for oat and cover crops.

Project Findings:

The data presented here are for Years 1 and 2 of a multi-year study. Figure 1 shows a comparison of oat yield (bu/ac) by treatment for 2020 and 2021. Very dry conditions in 2021 resulted in poor oat yield.

Background:

The Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) website states that producers may plant cover crops to minimize wind and water erosion. Cover crops can play an important role after low-residue crops, such as soybean and potatoes, or in spring as a new crop is establishing. Another import function is to immobilize excess nutrients, especially nitrogen, and prevent losses. Additionally, cover crops can help to trap snow, enhancing moisture conditions in spring.
Despite these benefits, the limited growing season before or after another crop can make establishing cover crops a challenge. A common practice is to establish a cover crop in-season, with a cash crop. This trial examined the effect of establishing four cover crops with oats.

PDF:

Entire findings are available by downloading the report PDF.

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