Cover?crop water use and productivity in the high plains wheat–fallow crop rotation

A long fallow period (?15 mo) in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow rotation (W-F) cropping system is meant to store soil water for the following crop but loss of quality, low precipitation use-efficiency, and increased cost management are among its drawbacks. Replacing portion with short-season cover may alleviate these The objectives this study were evaluate available at planting (ASWPcc), performance, management, post-cover-crop efficiency, (ASWPww) 12 crops. This field was conducted from 2008 through 2011 Garden City, KS. experimental design randomized complete block split-split-plot arrangement. Crop phases main plot, cover-crop species subplot, method (cover left standing or hayed) treatment. Results showed ASWPcc greater spring than fall However, use, productivity, efficiency greatest sole triticale (×Triticosecale spp.) legume–triticale mixtures. In addition, ASWPww 4–27% more hayed Post-cover-crop storage positively related biomass had negative linear relationship ASWPww. We concluded that crops stored those hayed; however, forage use could provide dual purpose economic benefit improve overall profitability.