FORAGE CROPPING SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING WATER PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

Incorporation of alternative species into forage cropping systems may increase water productivity (WP). The objective of this study was to compare forage production and WP of three alternative cropping systems in comparison with two conventional systems in the Comarca Lagunera, México. Forage quality in each species was determined, and yields and WP in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and net energy for lactation (NEL) production were estimated. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) produced similar DM and NEL yields than alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), but with lower concentration and yield of CP. The alternative system, which included canola (Brassica napus L.), corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), was the best choice among those with annual forages. Compared to alfalfa, this cropping system with a similar volume of water applied, produced equivalent (P > 0.05) CP yields, but higher yields of DM (62 %) and NEL (77 %); thus WP values in DM and NEL production increased by 60 and 75 %, respectively.