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Selecting Water-Efficient Crops

alternative practice names:

Drought Tolerant Crops

Crops with high Water Use Efficiency (WUE) are better at utilizing available water and converting it into biomass or yield, which can lead to more productive use of limited water resources. By choosing these crops, farmers can achieve greater yields or maintain productivity while using less water compared to crops with lower WUE. Selecting more water-efficient forage species and cultivars is a strategic approach for sustainable dairy forage production in water-limited environments. This approach aims to optimize water usage while maintaining or enhancing yield and quality.


Selecting and cultivating forage varieties and species that require less water to produce the same or higher amounts of biomass compared to traditional varieties, such as certain varieties of alfalfa, sorghum, and drought-resistant grasses like Bermuda grass and fescue, can reduce overall irrigation needs.

When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found: 

West, Southwest

FARM SIZE 

When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:

All Sizes

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Practice Benefits 

Adaptation to reduced water availability: Using high-WUE forage species and varieties helps farmers maintain forage production even when water availability declines.


Drought tolerance: In non-irrigated farmland, these practices can lead to higher and more consistent forage yields, even in drought conditions, ensuring a stable feed supply for dairy herds.

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Implementation Insights

Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements 

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  • Soil and climate: This practice is best suited for arid to semi-arid regions where water conservation is critical. However, it can also be beneficial in regions with variable rainfall patterns to ensure consistent forage production.

  • Irrigation district water distribution plans: Farms within irrigation districts with reliable water distribution plans are better positioned to implement these practices, as the consistent water supply is crucial for high-WUE forage crops.

Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

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There are no capital expenditures associated with this practice.

Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)

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  • Seed costs: Transitioning from a multi-year crop like alfalfa or grass to an annual crop such as sorghum or grain will result in additional seed expenses due to the need for yearly replanting.

  • Ration balancing: Many drought-tolerant species have different forage qualities than traditional forage crops. Sorghum, for example, generally has a higher fiber content and can be lower in energy compared to corn. Farmers may have to bring in additional concentrates to balance the ration, which can significantly increase costs. Therefore, while drought-tolerant species can be beneficial for managing water scarcity, their differing forage qualities require careful ration adjustments to ensure livestock receive balanced nutrition. This often involves additional costs and management considerations.

Implementation Considerations

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  • Nutritional value and digestability: Many high-WUE forage species, such as certain sorghum and drought-tolerant varieties of maize, often have lower fiber digestibility compared to traditional forages like alfalfa or perennial grasses. This reduced digestibility is largely due to the higher lignin content and tougher cell wall structures in these crops, which plants develop to survive in water-limited conditions. To counterbalance this, dairy nutritionists typically recommend increasing the proportion of concentrates—such as grains or high-energy byproducts—in the diet to compensate for the lower digestibility of the forage. This approach helps maintain milk yield and animal health, but it can also increase feed costs and affect the overall feed efficiency of the herd. Switching to new feed sources in the ration should be considered in consultation with a nutritionist. 

  • Yield consistency: Farmers are often hesitant to switch to innovative or more water-efficient crops due to concerns about consistency and reliability in their livestock rations. Consistent yield and quality are crucial for meeting feed demands, making the adoption of new crops a gradual process. New or innovative crops may introduce risks such as yield reductions due to pests and inconsistent performance, which can deter farmers who prioritize stable and predictable feed sources. Consequently, the perceived risks of switching to new crops often outweigh the potential benefits.

Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams

FEDERAL COST-SHARE PROGRAM

Funding is available for this practice through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Notes:

  • Check with the local NRCS office on payment rates and practice requirements relevant to your location. 

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Alignment with FARM Program

This practice is not included in the FARM program.

Contents

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We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights. 

We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights. 

Contents

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Practice Overview

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Practical Insights.png
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Research Results.png
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Crops with high Water Use Efficiency (WUE) are better at utilizing available water and converting it into biomass or yield, which can lead to more productive use of limited water resources. By choosing these crops, farmers can achieve greater yields or maintain productivity while using less water compared to crops with lower WUE. Selecting more water-efficient forage species and cultivars is a strategic approach for sustainable dairy forage production in water-limited environments. This approach aims to optimize water usage while maintaining or enhancing yield and quality.


Selecting and cultivating forage varieties and species that require less water to produce the same or higher amounts of biomass compared to traditional varieties, such as certain varieties of alfalfa, sorghum, and drought-resistant grasses like Bermuda grass and fescue, can reduce overall irrigation needs.

Practices and technologies

Selecting Water-Efficient Crops

alternative practice name:

Drought Tolerant Crops