Soybeans which have had their tops cut off will form new stem branches and continue upward growth under favorable conditions. Under adverse conditions, new stem growth may not occur and soybean yield will be low. Similar results have been obtained at the Agricultural Research Development Center near Mead. Winter wheat matures earlier than spring planted small grains such as oats, making relay intercrop growth possible earlier in the summer. Summer annual weeds, particularly grass species, are less troublesome in winter wheat than in spring grains.
Wheat is also less likely than spring grain to lodge.
Volunteer oats also have been a problem. Skip rows left in winter wheat where the relay intercrop was planted. Both methods work. Winter wheat yields as percent of solid seeded, with soybean relay intercropped into wheat on three dates, Agricultural Research Development Center, Mead, 1986. Progressively later planting of the relay intercrop increases wheat damage and yield reduction.