Diversification and Intensification of Integrated No-till Cropping Systems Focused On Forage Production.

Kevin B. Meeks, Dr. Chad Godsey Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 7075 Diversification and Intensification of Integrated No-till Cropping Systems Focused on Forage Production Water from the North Canadian River Watershed, which extends through a portion of Central Oklahoma, has been deemed by the Environmental Protection Agency as impaired for pathogens and turbidity resulting in harmful water for human consumption and irrigation water for farming practices. Water samples from various locations within this region have repeatedly failed to meet Oklahoma water quality standards. In effect, forage and soil qualities have also suffered due to poor quality of the watershed. The majority of producers in the region currently use a continuous wheat cropping system combined with conventional tillage for forage production. In addition, these systems are usually intensively grazed. The objective of this project is to find alternative no-till cropping systems for the producer to increase sustainability of farming operations in the watershed. In order to accomplish these goals, research plots (60-100 acres/each) will be set up in multiple locations throughout Central Oklahoma. Different cropping systems such as; summer cover crop with winter grain crop versus summer grain crop with winter cover crop, will be established and evaluated. In addition two farming methods, yearling steers and heifers will be allowed continual grazing in both cropping systems, in order to evaluate forage production and quality. The immediate impact of turning from a conventional tillage system to a no till system should result in less soil erosion and a higher level of sustainable soil moisture near the surface resulting in higher plant productivity. Furthermore, producers would have several alternative cropping systems to select from. Not only will this enable them to keep their current stocking rate the same, but it will allow them to increase animal and crop productivity if desired.