Introducing Grazeable Summer Cover Crops to Wheat Systems in the Southern Great Plains.

Winter wheat is a valuable crop in Oklahoma, growing from fall to spring. Fields are typically kept fallow in summer; consequently, they prone to erosion, weeds and water losses. Summer cover crops are potentially a good fit thanks to their ability to reduce erosion and weeds, and to improve soil health in diverse environments. However, their benefits and effects in wheat cropping systems have not been investigated in Oklahoma conditions. Moreover, cover crops add extra costs and their benefits might not be significant until after several years. Grazing cover crops might be an option that adds immediate benefit to the system by producing animal output and profit in the short term. However, improper grazing may diminish all cover crops benefits. This presentation focuses on the suitability of introducing grazeable summer cover crops to wheat systems in the Southern Great Plains.