Selecting Small-Grain Forages for the Southern High Plains

Abstract

Information is lacking on the relative performance of small‐grain forage types grown for hay or silage on the High Plains of New Mexico and West Texas. Tests were conducted from 2004 to 2008 at Clovis, NM, to determine long‐term potential of common varieties and blends of species [wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (xTriticosecale), and oats (Avena sativa L.)] in an irrigated production system. Eleven entries were tested in at least 3 years, including exceptionally wet (2005) and dry (2006) years. In any given year, all crops yielded greater than 2.5 tons of DM, and entry mean annual yields ranged from 4.0 to 5.3 ton DM/acre over the study period. Triticale or blends containing triticale yielded more wet forage than wheat alone. In general, nutritive value of wheat was greater than that of triticale and blends. One triticale entry exhibited similar DM yields and forage quality as those of the wheats. Under irrigation, small grains have the potential to produce acceptable yields of nutritious forage in between summer crops for feeding operations in the region. While wheat may yield less tonnage, it gives greater market flexibility and may better fit into double cropping systems because of its earlier maturity than triticale.

Registration of ‘Willow Creek’ Forage Wheat

“…The crops had different ( P < 0.01) NO 3 –N concentrations; however, all observed levels (54–692 mg kg −1 ) in these samples were considered safe for livestock consumption (Table 3). These data are consistent with those of Marsalis et al (2008) in New Mexico, who reported that winter triticale had superior forage production than winter wheat, but wheat generally had better forage quality than triticale.…”

Selecting Cool‐Season Forage Grasses for Yield, Seasonal Yield Distribution, and Nutritive Value in the Blacklands and Rolling Plains Ecoregions of Texas

“…In general, the forage yields at McGregor in 2005–2006 were lower than in the Thrall location in 2004–2005 due to persistent drought conditions. The amount of precipitation received at McGregor during the 2005–2006 season was ∼13.4 inches lower than Thrall during 2004–2005 and 8.2 inches lower than the long‐term average (Table 3), which resulted in a reduction in the respective dry matter yield for each crop species compared with the previous crop year, which is in agreement with Marsalis et al (2008). Dry matter yields for the small grain crop species ranged from 5925 to 4318 lb/acre (Fig.…”

“…Croy (1983) also reported that ryegrass growth continued later in the spring beyond wheat and rye production, but adequate soil moisture and mild temperatures were necessary for dependable production. In general, wheat has earlier maturity than triticale under irrigated conditions of the Southern High Plains (Marsalis et al, 2008).…”

Selecting Sorghum Forages for Limited and Full Irrigation and Rainfed Conditions in Semiarid, Subtropical Environments

“…Sanderson et al (15) reported that differences among years in response to irrigation were likely due to precipitation amount, frequency, and distribution. Marsalis et al (9) concluded that variation in precipitation also affects dry matter yields of small grain forages. Saeed and El‐Nadi (14) found that frequent, light irrigations, such as those applied through a sprinkler, led to greater sorghum forage yield than heavier, infrequent irrigations, such as those applied with furrow irrigation, and that irrigation technique efficiency must be assessed as water for irrigation becomes more scarce.…”