Evaluating the potential of grazed cover crops in dryland cropping systems

The growing interest in cover crops and soil health has included only limited discussion of how those techniques can be used in semi-arid climates. In water-limited regions, grazing cover crops may provide an opportunity to improve soil health and most economically use limited water resources.

Through a multi-state partnership, we are working to identify best management practices for integrating cover crops in dryland cropping systems that balance short-term profitability and long-term soil conservation benefits.

To achieve this goal, we are:

1. comparing the soil health and water use effects of fallow or integrating cover crops that are hayed, grazed, or left in the field at research sites in KS and CO
2. conducting on-farm research to quantify the effects of grazing cover crops on soil health, water use, weed dynamics, profitability, livestock performance, and pollinator activity
3. identifying cover crops best adapted to the High Plains
4. identifying the potential incentives and barriers to reducing fallow frequency through producer interviews

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