Oat-Hairy Vetch Intercropping Demonstration (2018-2019) and Seeding Rate Evaluation (2019)
Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation
To demonstrate the use of intercropping for grain, forage and soil nutrient management
The data presented here are for two years of demonstration: oat grain yield and oat-hairy vetch straw feed values (Year 1) and hairy vetch seed production (Year 2).
In 2018, establishment for the oat-hairy vetch intercrop was successful. Despite high oat yields, there was virtually no lodging in the oats, as the hairy vetch appeared to provide structural support. The intercrop was straight-combined. The hairy vetch plants had not produced over-abundant amounts of plant material, and as a result, the oat-hairy vetch straw passed through the combine without wrapping. The harvested grain was cleaned to remove green leaf material from the hairy vetch.
In 2019, regrowth of the hairy vetch plants began in mid-April, and flowered in late July. Harvest of the hairy vetch seed occurred on October 1. Table 1 shows yield for 2018-2019.
Seeding oats with hairy vetch has the potential to improve straw feed values, while not impairing oat grain yield. However, seeding and harvest date and seeding rate are important. If the hairy vetch seeding rate is too high, or if the hairy vetch is allowed to grow too much, harvest for oat grain can be difficult. Earlier seeding (mid- to late-May) provides the oats with a competitive advantage over the hairy vetch and allows the oats to mature sooner in fall. However, earlier seeding combined with a delayed harvest in fall may allow the hairy vetch plants to grow too much, causing serious issues with wrapping, catching on the combine header, and plugging. Using a header with vertical side knives may help to reduce harvest problems.