Project Overview
Annual Reports
Commodities
- Agronomic: general hay and forage crops
Practices
- Production Systems: general crop production
Proposal abstract:
For this project we are attempting to develop a viable pasture-wheat intercropping (PWI) system with potential for managing post-contract Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands and enhancing grazing systems. In addition to the PWI system included in the proposal we also established a pasture-triticale intercropping (PTI) treatment to determine whether triticale might be more productive intercropped with perennial grasses. A no-till annual rotation (NT) and hay production systems are used for comparison of impacts on yield and ecosystem services. Although the PWI planting to a severe late spring frost and poor fall establishment, the PTI system yielded 61 percent of county yields.
Project objectives from proposal:
Socioeconomic:
Short Term: Three farmers familiar with PWI option for post CRP lands (focal farmers), now considering implementation; and at least 20 other farmers newly aware of PWI option. Media attention for field days and subsequent inquiries.
Intermediate Term: PWI implemented on at least 80 acres by three or more farmers.
Scientific:
Short Term: Preliminary data to assess system suitability (cultural practices, barriers, yield, income, costs, ecosystem services provided) for post-CRP land and for region. Greater awareness and knowledge of PWI by State Extension and NRCS technical committee and scientific community.
Intermediate Term: Continued refinement of techniques by other researchers. Adoption of PWI approved techniques in NRCS State Technical Manual and in CSP rules.