The LTAR Integrated Common Experiment at Southern Plains

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Ecology
• Soil Science

Background:

• The Southern Plains (SP) is a Long-Term Agroecosystem Research site studying diverse crop-livestock systems.
• Climate variability impacts forage availability and agricultural productivity in the region.
• Existing systems often involve tilled winter wheat with various uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of land and nutrient management on soil health, water quality, and carbon/water balances.
• To evaluate diversified, adaptive crop-livestock systems for climate resilience.
• To develop tools for managing climate, topography, and conservation practices' effects on resources.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of tilled winter wheat systems with year-round annual cover crop mixes under conservation tillage.
• Monitoring indicator measurements for soil health, water quality, and biomass.
• Development and implementation of tools to analyze hydrological structures, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource usage.

Main Results:

• Cover crop mixes can fill forage gaps, especially under variable weather conditions.
• Year-round ground cover from cover crops reduces sediment and nutrient runoff.
• Enhanced soil health and water-holding capacity are observed with cover crop systems.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating fertilized, rain-fed cover crop mixtures offers a viable strategy for forage production.
• Conservation tillage with cover crops improves environmental outcomes, including water quality and soil health.
• Adaptive management strategies are crucial for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.