Abstract

Texas High Plains crop production has used precipitation and supplemental irrigation with water pumped from the Ogallala aquifer at rates that far exceed recharge for many years. Over 25% of the U.S. cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) crop is produced in this once vast grassland. Most of this cotton is produced in monoculture systems that are economically risky and contribute to wind induced erosion and depletion of ground water resources. Although large numbers of cattle are found in this region, little integration of livestock and crop production exists. Integrated crop-livestock systems could improve nutrient cycling, reduce soil erosion, improve water management, interrupt pest cycles, and spread economic risk through diversification. Cotton yields per acre may be increased through complementary effects of forages and livestock. Thus, three systems will be compared: 1) a Conventional Irrigated Cotton System using best management practices; 2) an All Forage-Beef Stocker Cattle System to produce feedlot-ready cattle; and 3) an Alternative Integrated Crop-Livestock System for production of both cotton and stocker steers. The Alternative System integrates cotton in rotation with forages for grazing by steers. Criteria for evaluating these systems will be plant and animal product quantity and quality, net profits, water use, soil conservation and fertility, and input requirements including pesticides, fertilizers, and mechanical operations. Two cotton experiment stations will provide background data and ongoing information for System 1. A university research farm will provide the site to test the alternative crop/forage/livestock system. Six cooperators will provide on-farm testing of both the livestock and cotton systems, will help to identify researchable needs and will provide outlets for information to producers and industry. Information will be extended through educational opportunities, publications, field days, involvement of producers and industry as full partners, and linkage with other research sites.