Temporal and Spatial Positioning of Service Crops in Cereals Affects Yield and Weed Control

Leguminous service crops (SCs) can provide multiple services to cropping systems, reducing the reliance on external resources if sufficient biomass is produced. However, rapid light and temperature reductions limit post-harvest cultivation of SCs in Northern Europe. A novel practice intercropping two consecutive (spring–winter cereal) extend period growth, hence improve yield reduce weeds, was tested. Three spatial temporal arrangements cash were investigated, as well three SC mixtures, characterized by their longevity frost sensitivity. Compared no SC, best performing mixture, frost-tolerant annuals, increased grain N winter wheat 10% 19%, respectively, reduced weed 15% 26% oats wheat, respectively. These effects attributed high production survival. this oat yields compared SC. Furthermore, growth provision varied largely between experiments, driven weather conditions. Extending SC’s cereal has potential, but locally adapted species choices establishment strategies are needed ensure vitality until termination.