Forage Performance in Crop—Livestock Systems Designed to Reduce Water Withdrawals From a Declining Aquifer

Abstract

On the Ground • In the semiarid Texas High Plains, integrating crops with grazing systems could conserve irrigation water and increase perennial grassland. • We combined irrigated and nonirrigated exotic and native grasses with cotton production. • We grazed and hayed the grasses, harvested grass seed, and harvested cotton. • Strategically combining different forages, fertilizer,and water inputs can extend the grazing season, improve the quality of available forage, and provide a buffer against moderate drought. • Nonirrigated, seeded native grass mixtures can provide valuable grazing and decrease total water use of an integrated crop-livestock system.