In a relay intercropping system, where three crops are grown in two years, the benefits include a marketable small grain for use as cover crop and additional revenue for the farmer. Similar to cover crops, a relay intercropping system can provide many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression, reduced nutrient loads entering water bodies, increased organic matter in the soil, and forage for livestock.
The field day will begin with an introduction to relay intercropping with Gentry Sorenson, ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.
Source : usda.gov