Abstract

Texas High Plains agriculture depends on irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer at rates that have far exceeded recharge for many years. Impending scarcity of irrigation water and rising production costs make current cropping systems non-sustainable. Our research over the past 4 years, funded initially by the USDA SARE/ACE program, found that an integrated cotton/forage/beef cattle system improved profitability and reduced water use by 23%, compared with a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) monoculture system typical of the region. Water use still exceeded potential aquifer recharge but sustainable systems appear possible. Thus, our objective is to develop environmentally sustainable and economically feasible forage-beef cattle systems that will assure the viability of agricultural activities in the Texas High Plains while protecting its natural resources and putting this knowledge into practice. Four replicated, field-scale systems, compared with the two on-going systems, are: 1) a dryland continuous cotton system; 2) a 3-paddock dry-land system; 3) a 3-paddock irrigated system; and 4) a 1-paddock irrigated system for grazing by stocker steers, hay, and grass seed production. All five systems will be evaluated for effects on profitability, water use efficiency, impact on soil properties and nutrient cycling, plant and animal productivity, total input requirements, and adoption of practices by producers. Industry and producer partners cooperate in on-farm testing, help define researchable needs, and disseminate information. A comprehensive educational component will provide both an educationally effective and economically efficient dissemination network. Information generated and principles defined will aid in designing more sustainable systems for other geographic regions. These systems will serve as a laboratory for research and a classroom for teaching where scientists, students, producers, industry, and government partners participate. Short and long term impacts are a more healthy rural economy, protection of our natural resources, and a more secure and sustainable agriculture.