Timing of interseeding corn into winter wheat for relay intercropping yield optimization

Overview

This research investigates relay intercropping as a strategy to increase land use efficiency by interseeding corn into standing winter wheat. The overlapping growing seasons of these two crops create an opportunity to reduce fallow periods and improve seasonal light interception, potentially delivering overyielding compared to sole wheat or sole corn systems. By systematically evaluating interseeding timing and weed control regimes, the work aims to generate practical agronomic recommendations that farmers can adopt.

Technical specifications

• Crop system: Relay intercropping of winter wheat (C3) and corn (C4) to leverage complementary physiology and extended canopy duration.
• Experimental design: Field trials across at least 2 site-years with 9 treatments combining 3 interseeding dates and 3 weed control regimes, plus sole wheat and sole corn controls.
• Evaluation metrics: Land equivalent ratio (LER) and additional yield comparison metrics to quantify overyielding relative to monocultures.
• Inputs tested: Commercial winter wheat and corn varieties under varied nutrient and pest management conditions relevant to intensified agricultural systems.
• Scientific basis: Grounded in ecological understanding of competition and facilitation in intercropping, particularly the role of solar radiation capture during early growth and fallow windows.

Technology readiness level

This is an early-stage field research program at the concept validation stage (TRL 3–4). Multi-site, multi-year field experiments are proposed to identify optimal interseeding windows and compatible weed management practices. Outputs will be agronomic knowledge and management guidelines rather than a commercial product, with readiness advancing as trial results confirm repeatable yield benefits and appropriate variety and management combinations.