Sod–Livestock Integration into the Peanut–Cotton Rotation: A Systems Farming Approach

Abstract

Contemporary thinking encourages diversified cropping systems as a way to sustain crop yields, protect the environment, and increase wildlife habitat. This paper reviews the benefits of diversifying the traditional peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production system to include perennial grasses such as bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) and bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and incorporating cattle (Bos taurus) into the system. Perennial grasses improve soil quality by reducing soil erosion and nitrate (NO3) leaching, increasing organic matter (OM) content, water infiltration rates, and the abundance and diversity of micro and macro flora and fauna. Cotton and peanut grown after perennial grasses are deeper rooted, have more vigorous growth, can better withstand pest pressure and environmental stresses, and often have higher yields. Including livestock in the cropping system makes more efficient use of climate and farm resources by extending the period of productive plant growth, improving economic returns, and reducing risk by diversifying the products available for sale.

Produção e composição bromatológica de forrageiras em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária em diferentes épocas de semeadura

“…A ILP apresenta maior sustentabilidade do que os modernos sistemas de monocultura, que dependem da utilização de grandes quantidades de fertilizantes e inseticidas (Katsvairo et al, 2006). De acordo com Balbinot Júnior et al (2009), este sistema pressupõe a rotação de culturas em SPD, o uso de genótipos de animais e vegetais melhorados, e o manejo correto da pastagem.…”

Contrasting weed species composition in perennial alfalfas and six annual crops: implications for integrated weed management

“…They are mostly used for livestock forage production, but may also be used to produce energy or raw material for industries (Tilman et al, 2006). The amelioration of soil fertility and the regulation of pest and weed infestations are further reasons for interrupting sequences of annual crops with temporary grasslands (Katsvairo et al, 2006). The appearance of cheap fertilisers and pesticides and the separation of crop and livestock production are the main reasons for the decline in temporary grasslands in conventional cropping systems of many regions (Freyer, 2003).…”

“…Today, temporary grasslands are mainly used in organic or low-input cropping systems. The need for improving the sustainability of cropping systems has recently increased the interest in diversifying farming systems with perennial crops (Katsvairo et al, 2006).…”

Soil fertility status in relation to fallow cycles and landuse practices in shifting cultivated areas of Chandel district Manipur, India.

“…In hilly region with steep slopes, grasses with profuse rooting behaviour, can act as potential vegetative barrier to minimise runoff and erosion loss. Therefore, the biggest benefits of these grasses in degraded jhum land was the improvement in soil health and quality, to act as an effective agent of soil and water conservation under unfavourable environmental conditions including drought or excess moisture and to improve soil conditions before less robust annual crops can be grown [9], [10].…”