Fallow replacement cover crops in a semi‐arid High Plains cropping system

Replacing portions of fallow between sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] harvest and wheat (Triticum aestivum) planting with cover crops provides opportunity to increase productivity profitability in dryland winter wheat–sorghum–fallow (WSF) cropping systems. The objective this study was identify potential spring replacement management optimize resource use efficiency a WSF system. conducted 2013–2018 at Garden City, KS. Three crop rotation phases (WSF, SFW, FWS) were the main plot, sub plot. Cover treatments further split into hayed left standing groups estimate forage potential. Results showed precipitation utilization storage (PUtSE) increased by 146% for grain crop, 50% hayed, 38% compared fallow. Available soil water (ASWPww) not different Spring triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale × Triticum)] had up 182% more accumulation over other 108% yield advantage crops. Our findings replacement, forage-hayed, have greater PUtSE than which may economic returns if subsequent yields are reduced. moderate similar ASWPww fallow, standing, or would be best choice production goal is maximize yields.