Nurse crop
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nurse crops are a subtype of nurse plants, facilitating the growth of other species of plants. The term is used primarily in agriculture, but also in forestry. Cover crops are a type of nurse crop.
In agriculture, a nurse crop is an annual crop used to assist in establishment of a perennial crop.[1] The widest use of nurse crops is in the establishment of legumaceous plants such as alfalfa, clover, and trefoil.[1][2] Occasionally, nurse crops are used for establishment of perennial grasses.[3]
Nurse crops reduce the incidence of weeds, prevent erosion, and prevent excessive sunlight from reaching tender seedlings. Often, the nurse crop can be harvested for grain, straw, hay, or pasture.[1] Oats are the most common nurse crop, though other annual grains are also used.[4] Nurse cropping of tall or dense-canopied plants can protect more vulnerable species through shading or by providing a wind break.[5]
However, if ill-maintained, nurse crops can block sunlight from reaching seedlings.[4]
Trap crops prevent pests from affecting the desired plant.[1]
