Page 231 - PC2019 Program & Proceedings

PLANT CANADA 2019

P35. Using species and genetic diversity to address stand establishment issues in red clover
(Trifolium pratense) as a Cover Crop
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Hilker, B. ; E. Lee; B. Deen; F. Tardif
University of Guelph

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) frost seeded as a cover crop into winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can
experience poor stand establishment. Red clover enhances corn (Zea mays L.) yields by supplying
nitrogen (N) to the subsequent corn crop and an additional rotational benefit. Despite red clover’s
positive ecosystem services, the variability in stand establishment has caused many producers to stop
using red clover as a cover crop. This study addresses the stand establishment issue and examines the
rotational benefit that red clover has on corn. The first objective is to examine if other clover species or
blends of clover species result in more uniform clover stands. Three species of clovers [red, crimson
(Trifolium incarnatum), and alsike (Trifolium hybridum)] will be used in pure-stands and in 2-way and 3-
way blends. The experiment is a RCBD and consists of 3 location years, 6 replications, and 8 treatments.
The second objective is to examine the rotation/clover effect on corn in the subsequent growing season.
Half of each plot will be fertilized at a high rate of N to separate the N effect of clover from the rotation
effect. In 2019, 4 additional treatments involving twin-row winter wheat were included in the clover trial,
to compare conventional planting methods with wider row spacing intervals with regards to clover
establishment. This research may allow for greater cover crop adoption in Ontario.

Brett Hilker (bhilker@uoguelph.ca)

P36. Common bean cultivar mixtures and crop productivity
Reinprecht, Y.; L. Schram; T. Smith; P. Pauls
University of Guelph

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important legume crop used for direct human
consumption. Canadian beans, especially large seeded cultivars of Andean origin, have relatively narrow
genetic diversity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of increasing in-field diversity,
by using mixtures of bean cultivars instead of monocultures, on productivity. Seven diverse bean
genotypes were evaluated at two Ontario locations as pure stands and binary mixtures in 2018.
Conventional plot-based crop data were collected. Mixing efficiency was calculated from the yield data
using a Relative Yield of the Mixture (RYM) index. Significant differences among seven bean genotypes
and their mixtures were identified for all analyzed traits. A number of mixtures over-yielded component
cultivars grown in pure stands. The results indicated multiple benefits of planting mixtures compared to
monoculture, including higher RYMs. The research has the potential to provide a theoretical basis for the
use of precision agriculture tools to plant fields with mixtures instead of monocultures. It could lead to
greater in-field diversity in the crop and in the above and below ground ecosystems that might provide
greater buffering capacity and resiliency to the cropping system as well as increased ecosystem services.

Yarmilla Reinprecht (yreinpre@uoguelph.ca)

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