In this study, we examined the base compatibility of Poa pratensis and Poa bulbosa with maize to be employed as perennial ground cover (PGC). The focus was primarily on how the PGC alters the soil water and plant available nutrients when unsuppressed. Soil gravimetric water content, soil available nitrate, ammonium, orthophosphate, ion exchange membranes and lysimeters were used to gain further understanding of how PGC affects nutrient cycling and plant available water. There is a known yield drag associated with PGC, but the cause is still a highly debated topic. Our goal was to identify which factor or combination of factors had the greatest influence on grain yield reductions.