The effect of nurse crops on the establishment of pasture

Abstract

The effect of cereal nurse crops on the establishment of pasture was studied in a series of four trials, two with wheat on a soil of high fertility and two with oats on a soil of medium fertility. The newly sown pasture was suppressed by the nurse crops, and production in the seeding year was low in comparison with that from pasture sown alone. On highly fertile aIluvial soil marked species composition differences were noted which were stiIl present 18 months after sowing. On soils of medium fertility composition differences were not so great during the establishment period and had largely disappeared by the end of the first year. Wheat nurse crops are not recommended under conditions of high fertility.