Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #415887
Research Project: Innovative Forage and Pasture Management Strategies for Dairy Agroecosystems

Location: Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research

Title: Annual crops for arid and semi-arid regions

Author
item Jaramillo, David
item QUEIROZ, LUANA - University Of Florida
item Akins, Matthew
item GARZON, JAIME - University Of Maine

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2025
Publication Date: 11/8/2025
Citation: Jaramillo, D.M., Queiroz, L., Akins, M.S., Garzon, J. 2025. Annual crops for arid and semi-arid regions. Book Chapter. https://doi.org/10.29327/5681481.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29327/5681481

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Arid and semi-arid regions are primarily characterized by the limitations of water. As a result, forage systems in these regions are divided into two categories: 1) rainfed, with season forage/crop production harvested mainly by grazing in extensive rangelands, forests, pastures, chaparral, etc.; and 2) irrigated systems, grown extensively in rotations with other crops. Annual crops are especially important in these regions, as these crops can provide substantial biomass, often in short time periods, which can be utilized for feeding livestock. Moreover, annual crops are widely grown for human consumption. Crop residues and crop by-products represent additionally important feed sources for livestock in dry regions of the world. In arid and semi-arid regions, annual forage crops are often used as harvested forage, stored feed, and for grazing. This chapter provides an overview of management and the species commonly used in these regions.