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Overcoming cover crop adoption barriers in dryland production systems by enhancing water use efficiency and soil health

Agreement Number
NR22-13G033
Awardee Name
South Dakota State University
Grant Type
Classic
Awardee State/Territory
South Dakota
Involved States/territories
South Dakota
Award Year
2021
Start Date
End Date
Award Amount
$705,907.00
Production/Use
Animal Agriculture and Husbandry
Grassland (includes pasture/rangeland)
Resource Concern (Broad)
Habitat
Resource Concern (Specific)
Plant productivity and health
Terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates
Conservation Practice(s)
Fence
Prescribed Grazing
Project Background
This study is designed to demonstrate that cover crops combined with organic amendments can be successfully integrated into dry land no-tillage cropping systems. The goal of project is to (1) introduce new management practices to mitigate the effects of moisture stress and build climate resilience in moisture limited dryland production systems, (2) provide farmers, extension specialists, and scientists knowledge on alternative cropping system management strategies to improve ecosystem productivity and sustainability, and (3) promote the adoption of cover cropping (a conservation management practice), which is currently constrained by limited precipitation and lack of effective techniques to conserve moisture.
Project Scale
Field-level
Whole Farm
Regional
Awardee Technical Contact Name
Sutie Xu