Double cropping into maize
Jan 2024, South Africa - Intercropping is no new feat, nor is the challenge to maintain production throughout winter. The adoption of cover cropping into dairy and beef systems is motivated by soil health benefits and added green feed in the periods between rotations.
Necessity has brought about the grazing of maize stover’s proceeding harvest, which does not present a well-rounded diet, in isolation. The opportunity to marry the two concepts may be dual-beneficial. With research done into the Carbon, Nitrogen ratio of soils and crops, alike, it is possible to select a very specific cover crop combination to compliment the maize stover, as well as maintaining an ideal C:N ratio to benefit the soil and ultimately your next maize crop.