undersow

Undersow refers to the practice of planting a crop, often a cover crop or a forage crop, within an established crop. This is typically done after the primary crop has reached a certain stage of development, such as after harvesting or when the main crop is in its vegetative growth phase. The undersown crop germinates and grows in the space and time available between the rows or beneath the canopy of the main crop.

The primary purpose of undersowing is to utilize the land more efficiently and to gain multiple benefits from a single growing season. Common reasons for undersowing include improving soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients, suppressing weeds, reducing soil erosion, and providing additional forage for livestock. In some cases, undersowing can also help to break pest and disease cycles associated with monoculture farming.

The choice of undersown crop depends on the main crop, the soil type, the climate, and the desired benefits. Legumes are often undersown to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which can then be utilized by the subsequent main crop. Grasses can help with soil structure and weed suppression. The timing of undersowing is crucial to ensure that the undersown crop does not compete excessively with the main crop for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. Mechanical methods or broadcasting are common sowing techniques. Management of the undersown crop, including termination, is an important consideration to prevent negative impacts on the primary crop's yield.