nurse crop

American  

noun

1. a crop planted in the same field with another crop, especially to minimize the growth of weeds.

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Etymology

Origin of nurse crop

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Clover seed may be sown with any of the small cereal grains as a nurse crop, but not with equal advantage.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

Usually it is considered unwise to pasture medium red clover the same season in which it has been sown when sown with a nurse crop.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

Rye shades less than wheat and oats and is harvested early; hence, its suitability for a nurse crop.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

Sweet clover may be sown with almost any kind of a nurse crop desired, which does not destroy it with an over-abundant shade.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

Clover and timothy sown thus without any nurse crop will produce a full crop the next season.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas