Pasture-wheat intercropping for post-contract Conservation Reserve Program Lands

Project Overview

LNC06-273
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2006: $70,188.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2009
Region: North Central
State: Kansas
Project Coordinator:
Dr. Jerry Glover
The Land Institute

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.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.