Challenges and Opportunities of Dryland Farming in the Colorado Plateau.

Dryland farming is practiced in the Colorado Plateau at elevations generally exceeding 1800 m, with annual precipitation of 30 to 40 cm of which a significant amount comes from snow. Typical soils have low organic matter and crust easily after a rain event. The major cash crops are winter wheat and dry bean. Clean fallow is the norm, which exposes the soil to wind and water erosion, particularly in the spring. Research data suggests that no-till is a viable alternative to conventional tillage in wheat-based rotations, with exceptions. Innovative approaches to enhance the sustainability of dryland farming in the Colorado Plateau will be discussed.