Forage Oats/hairy Vetch
our general observations
To learn more about our general observations with this intercrop, click here to view grower presentation.
Forage Oats/hairy vetch
THE THEORY
The oats (cool-season grass) provides a micro-climate for the vetch (cool-season legume). In return, the vetch protects the soil and provides late-season nitrogen for the oats. Both of these species are mycorrhizal fungi dependent and utilize each others root systems to share minerals and water.
A carbon:nitrogen Balance
The vegetative vetch (low C:N) balances the high carbon oats (high C:N). This provides an ideal environment for soil microbes to thrive (24:1). This balance also results in a highly palatable cattle feed for the same reason (balanced energy & protein). To learn more about Carbon:Nitrogen and why it is important, click here.
* Disclaimer: these are only guidelines we have adopted from our own experiences with this intercrop. Each environmental condition will be different and encourage you to try your own rates and practices you are comfortable with.
Forage oats/hairy vetch
seeding information
55 Ibs of Oats
12 Ibs of Hairy Vetch
5 Ibs of PRG
Forage oats/hairy vetch
herbicide management
Pre-emerge glyphosate.
No good in-crop herbicide options.
forage oats/hairy vetch
harvest options
1. Harvest oat crop (bale/graze residue)
2. Harvest for winter forage
3. Swath Graze
forage oats/hairy vetch
most common mistake
Cutting nitrogen back too much thinking the vetch will provide season long nitrogen for the oats. The vetch doesn’t establish early enough to supply the oats with it’s entire nitrogen demand during vegetation.
