msscamp":pmpjd4gz said:
Why plant a cover crop? Wouldn't that cover crop compete with the alfalfa for moisture and nutrients possibly causing the alfalfa to not germinate/grow?
The term "cover crop" is kind of a misnomer. It would be better referred to as a nurse or companion crop. Alfalfa is rather slow to germinate and each plant is fairly widely spaced. By planting a nurse/companion crop is to decrease the weed infestation so that the alfalfa can gerinate better. Once the alfalfa has gotten a decent start the nurse/companion crop is mowed off and the alfalfa takes over. There is still weed competition but not as severe.
And if oats are planted with alfalfa, that first cutting is the best horse hay I've seen for lactating mares.
dun