RATE OF SEEDING AND ROW SPACING OF AN OAT COMPANION CROP IN RELATION TO FORAGE SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT

Abstract

Nine rates of seeding and two row spacings of an oat companion crop were studied in relation to seedling establishment in hay-pasture mixtures at Guelph. Variations in these managements had pronounced effects on establishment in 2 of the 4 years during which the studies were conducted.Species responded differently to the managements with red clover and timothy most sensitive, alfalfa and orchard intermediate, and brome grass least sensitive as assessed by the number of plants established. Satisfactory stands were obtained under an oat companion crop in 7-inch drills. Reduction of the oat seeding rate from the commonly used rate in Ontario of [Formula: see text] bushels per acre to [Formula: see text] bushels did not reduce oat yields in any of the 3 years in which oat yield data were collected. This seeding rate reduction allowed the establishment of more alfalfa plants with increased seedling vigour and so provides more assurance for stand establishment. Increasing the oat row spacing from 7 inches to 14 inches for the [Formula: see text]-bushel oat rate reduced oat yields 14.3 per cent but improved alfalfa stands slightly and increased the vigour of most species. This management might be useful on problem sites and in special situations where high levels of plant population are desired.