Alternating Strips of Corn and Soybeans vs. Solid Plantings 1

Alexander and Center (1) recently reported in Virginia that 2 rows of corn bordered by soybeans yielded 30% more than did 2 rows of corn bordered by corn. Soybean yields from pairs of rows bordered by corn were approximately the same as those from a solid planting pattern. Etheridge and Helm (4) in Missouri found that in proportion to the area occupied, corn and soybeans grown in alternate rows or alternate pairs of rows made much higher yields than when planted in separate blocks. Akers and Westover (2) in Mississippi and Brown (3) in Louisiana also reported an advantage for corn yields when grown in alternating strips with