KURA CLOVER SEED PRODUCTION WHEN INTERCROPPED WITH WHEAT

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) is a slow-establishing rhizomatous perennial that has fewer seed yields the year after establishment than in subsequent years of production. For new forage crops such as kura clover to be utilized, adequate seed supplies must be available. The objective of this research was to determine whether 'Rhizo' kura clover grown for seed can be established with intercropped wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to increase seed grower net income. Kura clover was planted in spring 1989 and 1990. The clover was grown alone (sole-cropped) and intercropped with companion-planted wheat in 15- and 30-cm rows and with relay-planted wheat in 20- and 40-cm rows. The clover was established with sprinkler irrigation. Sole-crop kura clover establishment was superior to clover intercropped with wheat. When clover was grown with intercropped wheat, establishment was superior with wide-spaced compared to narrow-spaced wheat. The delay in clover establishment from spring-planted clover relay-intercropped with fall-planted wheat was similar to spring-planted clover companion-intercropped with wheat. Kura clover was more tolerant of relay- than companion-intercropping because clover seedlings were allowed to establish before the onset of wheat crop competition. Spring-planted kura clover relay-intercropped with fall-planted wheat in 40-cm rows had the greatest economic return of all treatments. Depending on seed price, all kura clover production systems could be made profitable. However, none of the profitable clover production systems had net income returns equal to wheat grown alone.