Forage productivity and soil properties in dual?purpose cover crop systems

Intensification of dryland cropping systems with cover crops (CCs) in the semi-arid central Great Plains could enhance soil health and diversify production when used for forage. This study was conducted from 2015 to 2020 determine forage mass, nutritive value CCs, effects dual-purpose CCs on properties a no-till winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–fallow system. Treatments were oat (Avena sativa L.)/triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.) grown place fallow, which hayed, grazed by yearling heifers, or left standing. Forage mass varied across years averaged 3,546 kg ha?1 standing CCs. Hayed removed 73 26% available Soil bulk density unaffected haying grazing compared organic carbon (SOC) stocks 0-to-15-cm depth 2019 similar among CC treatments (27.31 Mg ha?1). Stocks hayed greater than fallow (24.79 ha?1) However, 2020, less (21.80 (24.27 all fallow. Mean weight diameter water stable aggregates increased (2.89 mm) (1.67 both but 1 yr. Findings suggest can replace produce high-quality while improving residue management is critical productivity low.