Replacing fallow with forage triticale in a dryland wheat-corn-fallow rotation may increase profitability

- Dryland winter wheat yields were reduced when the fallow phase of a wheat-corn-fallow rotation was replaced with spring forage triticale.
- Dryland corn yields were unaffected when the fallow phase of a wheat-corn-fallow rotation was replaced with spring forage triticale.
- Net income for the cropping system remained the same or increased when the fallow phase of a wheat-corn-fallow rotation was replaced with spring forage triticale and growing season precipitation was average or above average.

A common dryland rotational cropping system in the semi-arid central Great Plains of the USA is wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-corn (Zea mays L.)-fallow (WCF). However, the 12-month fallow period following corn production has been shown to be relatively inefficient in storing precipitation during the summer months and in some years could leave the soil vulnerable to wind erosion. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect on system productivity when the fallow period in a WCF rotation was replaced with spring-planted forage triticale (X Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm.). The 3-yr study was conducted at Akron, CO and Sidney, NE under both dryland and very limited irrigation conditions (to approximate average precipitation during the growing season). Growing season precipitation during the course of the study was above-average in five of the six site-years. Over a wide range of wheat water use (361-591 mm) wheat yields ranged from 1696 kg ha−1 to 5527 kg ha−1. Wheat yields averaged 17% lower when triticale (T) replaced fallow, primarily because of reductions in water content at wheat planting. Corn yields were unaffected by triticale replacing fallow and ranged from 3159 kg ha−1 to 8085 kg ha−1. Triticale yields ranged from 2967 kg ha−1 to 6724 kg ha−1. System productivity as quantified by system net returns was greater for WCT than for WCF when growing season precipitation was above-average resulting in triticale production over 6000 kg ha−1, but even in drier years net income was not reduced when the fallow phase was replaced with triticale production. A WCT rotation can be recommended over WCF provided that growing season precipitation is not far below average and there is an available market for the triticale forage produced.Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.