Planning a Crop Rotation Intensity and Diversity

Transcription

1 Planning a Crop Rotation Intensity and Diversity Chad Godsey Cropping Systems Specialist 2010

2 Crop Rotation Three choices Monoculture Fixed Wheat-DC Grain Sorghum-Corn Dynamic Cropping Systems

3 Dynamic Cropping Systems A dynamic cropping system is an annual strategy of crop sequencing that optimizes the outcome of production, economic, and environmental goals by using ecologically sound management principles. From Tanaka et al. (2002)

4 Concept Implicit to a dynamic approach to crop sequencing is the need for producers to possess information necessary to respond to continual change. Changes in factors such as weather, market conditions, government programs, and new information and technology influence the feasibility and profitability of growing certain crops in a particular year.

5

6 Crop sequencing approach Attribute Monoculture Fixed-sequence Dynamic Crop portfolio Crop diversity Crop sequencing flexibility Biological and ecological knowledge Single crop N/A N/A Basic knowledge of agronomy Multiple crops; number dependent on regionally adapted species, economics, farmer knowledge, infrastructure Diversity dependent upon length of fixed sequence None, although fixedsequence cropping systems that incorporate opportunity crops increase flexibility Some knowledge of crop interactions is necessary Multiple crops; number dependent on regionally adapted species, economics, farmer knowledge, infrastructure Diversity inherently high due to annual variation in growing conditions and marketing opportunities, as well as changes in producer goals High. All crops, in essence, are opportunity crops Extended knowledge of complex, multi-year crop and crop by environment interactions Management complexity Generally low, though variable depending on crop type Complexity variable depending on length of fixed sequence and diversity of crops grown Complexity inherently high due to annual variation in growing conditions, markets, and producer goals From Hanson et al. (2007)

7 Concept Potential for pest/weed infestation Nutrient/precipitation use efficiency Requirements of exogenous inputs Dynamic Fixed-sequence Monoculture Breadth of management expertise Production risk Relative sustainability From Hanson et al. (2007)

8 Where to start? Set goals intensity 30 or greater 3 crops in 2 years <30 4 crops in 3 years Develop a plan Diversity Crops to grow and herbicide plan Implement the rotation

9 Diversity in Rotations: Multiple Benefits Increased Yield Pest Management Economic Stability Efficient use of Resources

10 LCB Rotation Average Grain Yield - LCB Rotation TRT Number Tillage Rotation Wheat 2007 Grain Sorghum Grain Yield Wheat bu/acre Corn Wheat 1 CT Wheat CT W-DC-C Corn 3 CT W-W-DC-C winter pea 64 4 NT Wheat NT W-DC-C NT W-W-DC-C winter pea 66

11 Success depends on: Residue cover Be aware of planting high water use crops after low residue crops Corn after cotton Crop establishment Weed control Fertility Mgt.

12 Building/maintaining residue Cover crops Cropping intensity Manage grazing

13 Cover Crops NDVI values and top-dress N application rates at El Reno in Treatment NDVI Nrich Strip NDVI 0 N rate from Ramp Nitrogen Rate - - lb N/ac - - Cowpea 0.57a 0.37a 68a Guar 0.54a 0.35a 61a Mungbean 0.53a 0.31a 52a Soybean 0.56a 0.36a 64a Fallow 0.50a 0.34a 50a

14 Cover Crops Wheat grain yield at El Reno in Treatment Yield Cowpea Guar Mungbean Soybean Fallow bu ac a 35 ab 30 b 35 ab 29 b

15 30 in or greater Precipitation 3 crops in 2 years Wheat dc sorghum soybean Wheat dc sunflower grain sorghum Wheat canola dc grain sorghum Wheat dc sesame soybean Canola dc grain sorghum - wheat

16 <30 in Precipitation 4 crops in 3 years Canola Wheat DC sesame Grain sorghum Canola Wheat DC sesame Cotton Wheat Wheat DC Sunflower Grain sorghum Other possibilities: Safflower Hay grazer Cowpea

17 Keys To Dynamic Cropping System Diversity: Increasing the variety of the products produced within an enterprise, decreases economic risk. Reduced Input Cost: Any decrease of input costs increases net returns. Adaptability: Producers must be ready to take advantage of new opportunities and enhanced production practices. Multiple Enterprises: Producers are positioned more favorably if several enterprises are exploited, e.g. grain crops plus livestock. Environmental Awareness: The future of an agricultural enterprise rests in the ability of the manager to conserve natural resources. Information Awareness: The producer who accurately evaluates incoming information and applies the best of that information will be the most competitive.