Incorporating sheep into dryland grain production systems

Hatfield, P. G.; Blodgett, Sue L.; Spezzano, Theresa; Goosey, Hayes B.; Lenssen, Andrew W.; Kott, R. W.; Marlow, Clayton B.

doi:10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.10.002

Cited by 21 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Small-bodied grazers, such as sheep and goats, are well-suited for integration into wheat production in the NGP as they are easily transported and confined, are common in the region, and consume a broad range of crop residues (Marten and Anderson, 1975). In addition, smaller ruminants distribute feces and urine more evenly across the field than cattle (Haynes and Willams, 1993;Abaye et al, 1997;Di and Cameron, 2007) and reduce insect pests, such as the wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus Norton) (Goosey et al, 2005;Hatfield et al, 2007). To our knowledge, research on the use of livestock integration for weed control in agricultural fields has been restricted in perennial and small-scale vegetable crop production (summarized in Hilimire, 2011).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating Sheep Grazing into Cereal‐Based Crop Rotations: Spring Wheat Yields and Weed Communities

et al. 2015

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Crop diversification and integration of livestock into cropping systems may improve the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. However, few studies have examined the integration of these practices in the semiarid areas of the Northern Great Plains (NGP). A 3-yr experiment was conducted near Bozeman, MT, to compare the effects of crop rotation diversity and weed management practices imposed during fallow periods [sheep (Ovis aries) grazing, reduced tillage, and conventional tillage] on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields and weed pressure. Management treatments were applied to replicated whole plots, within which the split-plots received crop rotation treatments [continuous spring wheat (CSW) and a 3-yr rotation of annual forage, fallow, and spring wheat, where each phase was present in each year]. In the initial 2 yr, the realized rotational treatments were wheat-fallow and CSW. In the final year, wheat was grown following all phases of the diversified rotation. Yields were similar among management treatments within the wheat-fallow and CSW rotations. Weed pressure was generally low but perennial weeds were more abundant in grazing-managed, wheat-fallow systems. The integration of livestock into the annual hay crop-fallow-spring wheat rotation was associated with a nearly 30-fold increase in weed pressure and a yield reduction of 51.2% compared to conventional management. The results suggest that although targeted sheep grazing is a viable alternative to conventional fallow management in CSW and wheat-fallow rotations, successful integration of livestock in diversified cropping systems requires more effective weed management practices. ABStRACtCrop diversi cation and integration of livestock into cropping systems may improve the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. However, few studies have examined the integration of these practices in the semiarid areas of the Northern Great Plains (NGP). A 3-yr experiment was conducted near Bozeman, MT, to compare the e ects of crop rotation diversity and weed management practices imposed during fallow periods [sheep (Ovis aries) grazing, reduced tillage, and conventional tillage] on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields and weed pressure. Management treatments were applied to replicated whole plots, within which the split-plots received crop rotation treatments [continuous spring wheat (CSW) and a 3-yr rotation of annual forage, fallow, and spring wheat, where each phase was present in each year]. In the initial 2 yr, the realized rotational treatments were wheat-fallow and CSW. In the nal year, wheat was grown following all phases of the diversi ed rotation. Yields were similar among management treatments within the wheat-fallow and CSW rotations. Weed pressure was generally low but perennial weeds were more abundant in grazing-managed, wheat-fallow systems. e integration of livestock into the annual hay crop-fallow-spring wheat rotation was associated with a nearly 30-fold increase in weed pres...

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confidence: 99%

Integrating Sheep Grazing into Cereal‐Based Crop Rotations: Spring Wheat Yields and Weed Communities

et al. 2015

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“…For example, crop rotations and integrated crop–livestock systems could reduce irrigation water use and diversify farm income (Allen et al., 2007). The timing of grazing and tillage management can interact to impact weed population (Hendrickson et al., 2014), and grazing small grain residues can reduce sawfly and Hessian fly infestations (Hatfield et al., 2007). Integrated crop–livestock systems, when including legume forages in the rotation, can reduce N fertilizer requirements of subsequent crops in the rotation (Franco et al., 2018).…”

Section: Drivers Of Changementioning

confidence: 99%

Should we consider integrated crop–livestock systems for ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, and agricultural resilience to climate change?

Franzluebbers,

Hendrickson

2024

Agronomy Journal

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Contemporary agricultural systems can be generalized as highly specialized operations that are fueled by mechanization, supplied with external nutrients to maximize production, crops protected by petrochemicals to fight against weed, disease, and insect pressures, and livestock protected by therapeutics to ward off virus and bacterial infections when managed in confinement. Such specialized systems have led to low levels of diversity, elevated environmental risks from contamination, loss of soil organic matter, ecological instability, and limited adaptability to climate change. More diversified farming systems are possible, but research required to characterize them in a holistic manner as an alternative to contemporary, specialized systems remains challenging to fund and sustain over time, primarily because they require more labor, management skills, and accessible markets to achieve additional ecological, environmental, and social goals. We share some perspectives as to (1) how specialized systems became the norm and (2) what changes could be made to reverse some ecological risks and environmental declines associated with specialization, acknowledging there is no panacea. Strong evidence exists for perennial forages to restore soil organic C and N, but system‐level analyses of the net balance in greenhouse gas emissions remain to be characterized in the myriad of potential integrated crop‐livestock systems that might be deployed across the diversity of edaphic, environmental, and socio‐economic conditions. We suggest there are abundant opportunities for more sustainable agricultural production to sequester soil organic C, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and develop more climate‐resilient agricultural systems that will be needed in a future dominated by climate change issues.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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“…Previous research in Montana, USA, conducted in conventional and organic systems, has demonstrated that integrated crop-livestock systems have the potential to (1) reduce tillage intensity while improving soil quality [65]; (2) enhance nutrient cycling [66]; (3) take advantage of the positive impacts of grazing on insect pest and weed management [67]; (4) help organic farmers terminate cover crops [67]; and (5) enhance the economic sustainability of the organic enterprise as grazing livestock on cover-crops provides alternative sources of revenue for producers with no negative impacts on subsequent yields [12].…”

Section: Integrating Crop and Livestock Organic Production Preliminamentioning

confidence: 99%

Organic Agriculture and the Quest for the Holy Grail in Water-Limited Ecosystems: Managing Weeds and Reducing Tillage Intensity

Lehnhoff

Miller

et al. 2017

Agriculture

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Organic agricultural production has become a major economic and cultural force. However, in water-limited environments the tools used for weed control and nutrient supply, namely tillage and cover crops, may not be environmentally or economically sustainable as tillage damages soil and cover crops use valuable water. Thus, a major challenge has been finding appropriate ways to minimize tillage and terminate cover crops while still controlling weeds and obtaining cover crop ecosystem services. One approach to achieve this is through the economically viable integration of crop and livestock enterprises to manage weeds and terminate cover crops. In this article we (1) review research needs and knowledge gaps in organic agriculture with special focus on water-limited environments; (2) summarize research aimed at developing no-till and reduced tillage in organic settings; (3) assess approaches to integrate crop and livestock production in organic systems; and (4) present initial results from a project assessing the agronomic and weed management challenges of integrated crop-livestock organic systems aimed at reducing tillage intensity in a water-limited environment. The goal of eliminating tillage in water-limited environments remains elusive, and more research is needed to successfully integrate tactics, such as cover crops and livestock grazing to increase organic farm sustainability.

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Incorporating sheep into dryland grain production systems

Cited by 21 publications

References 13 publications

Integrating Sheep Grazing into Cereal‐Based Crop Rotations: Spring Wheat Yields and Weed Communities

Integrating Sheep Grazing into Cereal‐Based Crop Rotations: Spring Wheat Yields and Weed Communities

Should we consider integrated crop–livestock systems for ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, and agricultural resilience to climate change?

Organic Agriculture and the Quest for the Holy Grail in Water-Limited Ecosystems: Managing Weeds and Reducing Tillage Intensity

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