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

2007 Annual Report for 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

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

Summary

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% of county yields.

Objectives/Performance Targets

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.

Accomplishments/Milestones

In this first year of the project we were successful in establishing research plots in two different locations, collecting the preliminary data on field operations, yields, and soil and water characteristics. Because these data reflected baseline conditions we cannot make significant conclusions at this point. We did use the information to adjust our planting and fertilizing techniques when plots were replanted in September 2007. Namely, we increased wheat seeding rates to 135 kg ha-1 and fall fertilizer rates to 45 kg nitrogen ha-1 (in the form of diammonium phosphate) with the goal of increasing fall establishment success and growth. Soil scientists, ecologists and agronomists from 6 different universities have visited the plots and provided feedback on experimental approach. We did not hold a field tour for farmers in Spring 2007 due to the failure of the wheat crop but are planning to sponsor one in 2008. We anticipate having a full set of data on yields, operations, expenses, and soil and water characteristics in Summer 2008.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

At this point we have nothing to report for this section.

Collaborators:

Laura Jackson

laura.l.jackson@uni.edu
Professor
Department of Biology
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Office Phone: 3192732893
Jim Duggan

DECEASED: former farmer/rancher
DECEASED: former adress: 2522 Arrowhead Rd
DECEASED: Solomon, KS 67480