Evaluation of Grain Amaranth and Quinoa as Forage Crops to Improve the Sustainability and Profitability of Small Livestock Operations

Evaluation of Grain Amaranth and Quinoa as Forage Crops to Improve the Sustainability and Profitability of Small Livestock Operations

Summary

2011 research year provided many weather-related issues that conflicted with the objectives of the project. The first issue was that the spring was very wet by comparison to most Indiana springs. This led to problems in quinoa establishment. Two separate quinoa planting operations were performed, both ended in a failure of the crop. Additionally a wet June did not allow us to get back in the field to plant other treatments. It was not until July that we were able to attempt planting the next treatment set. At this time, lack of rainfall affected the germination of the second planting. The poor spring weather did not affect corn or amaranth germination. The second planting was on both former amaranth plots and failed quinoa plots. Sorghum sudangrass was planted instead of corn, amaranth was planted according to our protocol. In early August just before the second amaranth harvest and first sorghum sudangrass harvest, a violent storm with large hail destroyed most of the plant biomass in all plots. Harvest was delayed 45 days until the crops could recover, Data from harvests as well as analysis is still being tabulated.
Soil samples taken for P content were successfully taken before all plantings and after each harvest. Those samples are being analyzed.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The primary objective of this season was to test if double cropping forage crops can significantly decrease P concentrations in the soil. Additionally three crops were to be tested in this system, corn, amaranth and quinoa. A secondary goal was to assess quinoa and its ability to conform to Indiana and the Midwest growing environment as well as the days to harvest of a quinoa planting. As a result of multiple failed quinoa establishments, we continued with the primary goal of determining if double cropping can reduce soil P.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Amaranth corn and sorghum sudangrass plantings were all successfully harvested and ensiled. These samples are currently being analysed for nutrient content and forage quality.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

So far no Impacts have been recorded as we are finishing the data from the first year. when done, an updated SARE report will be submitted, and posters will be developed and presented at extension meetings as well as at regional and national meetings.

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