ARS | Publication request: CROPPING SEQUENCE IN A LONG-TERM DRYLAND ROTATION STUDY

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 2, 2004
Publication Date: January 2, 2004
Citation: Henry, W.B., Vigil, M.F., Nielsen, D.C., Benjamin, J.G., Anderson, R.L., Bowman, R.A. 2004. Cropping sequence in a long-term dryland rotation study. Meeting Abstract. Presented at the WSSA 2004 Annual Meeting, February 2004. Kansas City, MO.

Technical Abstract: A long-term cropping rotation study was established at the Central Great Plains Research Station in Akron, CO in 1991. The goal of this study is to determine which sequences are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable in this dry region receiving approximately 16 inches of precipitation per year. Various combinations of crop sequences as well as cropping intensities have been maintained for the past 12 years. Wheat/fallow is the traditional crop rotation; however, in order to better utilize available precipitation and to maximize land usage, more intensive rotations incorporating alternative crop rotations have been examined. This paper will examine the effect of growing pea prior to wheat in a rotation and the subsequent effect on wheat yield. It will also examine the effect of fallow on wheat yield as cropping intensity increases from 50% (1 out of 2 years) to 66% (2 out of 3 years) to 75% (3 out of 4 years).