Companion Crops
Companion Crops
A companion crop is one planted with the desired perennial crop to provide protection from wind or water erosion. The choice of what crop to grow with switchgrass and not offer a high degree of competition is difficult because of switchgrass’ slow growth and establishment. Small grains are cool-season species that do not grow long into the summer; however, they may be highly competitive. If a small grain is used as a companion crop, a very low seeding rate is recommended (perhaps only 3 to 5 lbs/acre). Only about one companion plant per two square feet is necessary to protect switchgrass seedlings.
Warm-season species such as sorghum or sorghum-sudan hybrids can be used, but they would have to be killed or risk excessive competition. A few (one per 2 to 3 square feet) soybean, mungbean, turnip, beet, etc. plants scattered over the field may help minimize erosion without undue competition.
