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

See Examples For:

nurse crop

If not thus clipped, they would frequently injure the crop more by shade and crowding than would a nurse crop.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

But when shade only is wanted from the nurse crop, a thin seeding of buckwheat has been found to answer.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

Some authorities recommend sowing medium and other clovers without any nurse crop.

From Clovers and How to Grow Them by Shaw, Thomas

In such situations it is better to sow with a nurse crop, which will help to hold the soil until the alfalfa becomes rooted.

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