Dual cropping systems: Harnessing sunlight for enhanced yield

The agricultural industry is witnessing innovative methods to boost productivity by utilizing the space between wide corn rows for growing companion crops like field peas. This strategy is spearheaded by pioneers such as Bob Recker of Cedar Valley Innovation and Todd Whiting of Origin Technologies, who are exploring the viability of dual cropping systems that can operate within a single growing season.

In a 2023 trial, field peas were sown in early May, shortly after planting corn in rows set 60 to 90 inches apart. The wider spacing allows more sunlight to reach the companion crop, which is crucial for its growth. Whiting and Recker’s approach included early weed control in the corn, which prevented interference with the emerging peas.

The trial yielded promising results, with the peas maturing alongside the corn. Despite the peas being harvested from small research plots by hand on August 1, the potential commercial yield was estimated at 50 bushels per acre, which could have resulted in significant earnings per acre at the then-prevailing prices.

Whiting highlights the resilience of field peas to partial shade from corn and their ability to suppress weed growth under these conditions. However, the use of herbicides on peas was avoided to protect the corn, presenting a challenge in managing the two crops together without chemical interference.

The research initially focuses on agronomics to optimize growth conditions and spacing requirements. The next steps in the research will address economic aspects, such as crop value comparisons and the best agricultural practices for planting and harvesting these systems.

Source: FarmProgress