Resilient Dryland Farming Alliance, 2021 – 2022 annual report: Alternative crop trial

Authors: SINGH, SURENDRA - Oregon State University; Adams, Curtis; BARROSO, JUDITH - Oregon State University; CALDERON, FRANSISCO - Oregon State University; GOURLIE, JENNIFER - Oregon State University; GRAEBNER, RYAN - Oregon State University; HARRISON, KYLE - Oregon State University; HUNT, MATTHEW - Oregon State University; KRIETE, LINNEA - Oregon State University; LARSON, DAVID - Oregon State University; MACHADO, STEPHEN - Oregon State University; MCGEE, REBECCA - Oregon State University; NAMDAR, GRAYSON - Oregon State University; PRITCHETT, LARRY - Oregon State University; Reardon, Catherine; Umbarger, Stephen; WOOD, DAISY - Oregon State University; HAGERTY, CHRISTINA - Oregon State University

Submitted to: Oregon State University Extension Publications
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/30/2022
Publication Date: 1/6/2023
Citation: Singh, S., Adams, C.B., Barroso, J., Calderon, F.J., Gourlie, J.A., Graebner, R.C., Harrison, K.C., Hunt, M.P., Kriete, L.R., Larson, D.E., Machado, S., Mcgee, R.J., Namdar, G.F., Pritchett, L.C., Reardon, C.L., Umbarger, S.K., Wood, D.I., Hagerty, C.H. 2023. Resilient Dryland Farming Alliance, 2021 – 2022 annual report: Alternative crop trial. Oregon State University Extension Publications. Article 12596. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12596/2022rdfareportaltcropfinal.pdf

Interpretive Summary: Winter wheat-fallow (WF) systems are prevalent in the dryland region of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A fallow period (~14 month) is included to allow soil moisture recharge between wheat crops, as average annual precipitation ranges from 8 to 16 inches. Despite reliable yields, WF systems can lead to increased soil erosion, decreased soil organic matter, and poor overall soil health. This is mainly due to low biomass production, long fallow periods, and lack of crop diversity. Therefore, diversification and intensification through integrating alternative crops into WF systems may enhance overall sustainability and soil health of these cropping systems. Under the Resilient Dryland Farming Alliance (RDFA), a grower-led initiative, an array of potential alternative crops are being evaluated for diversified and intensified wheat-based systems. These alternative systems are designed to reduce the number of fallow periods, enhance soil health, break disease cycles, decrease fertilizer requirements, and change or reduce herbicide inputs. Further details about the overall rationale, objectives, long-term vision, and funding for the RDFA can be found in Designing Cover and Alternative Crops for Dryland Cropping Systems in Eastern Oregon by Singh et al., 2021. This annual report presents the alternative crop yields from the third year of the alternative crop trials.

Technical Abstract: Winter wheat-fallow (WF) systems are prevalent in the dryland region of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A fallow period (~14 month) is included to allow soil moisture recharge between wheat crops, as average annual precipitation ranges from 8 to 16 inches. Despite reliable yields, WF systems can lead to increased soil erosion, decreased soil organic matter, and poor overall soil health. This is mainly due to low biomass production, long fallow periods, and lack of crop diversity. Therefore, diversification and intensification through integrating alternative crops into WF systems may enhance overall sustainability and soil health of these cropping systems. Under the Resilient Dryland Farming Alliance (RDFA), a grower-led initiative, an array of potential alternative crops are being evaluated for diversified and intensified wheat-based systems. These alternative systems are designed to reduce the number of fallow periods, enhance soil health, break disease cycles, decrease fertilizer requirements, and change or reduce herbicide inputs. Further details about the overall rationale, objectives, long-term vision, and funding for the RDFA can be found in Designing Cover and Alternative Crops for Dryland Cropping Systems in Eastern Oregon by Singh et al., 2021. This annual report presents the alternative crop yields from the third year of the alternative crop trials.