Source: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
INCREASING YIELD, QUALITY, AND ECONOMY OF ALFALFA HAY THROUGH GRASS SPECIES SELECTION AND PLANTING CONFIGURATION
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1020699
Grant No.
2019-70005-30359
Cumulative Award Amt.
$457,339.00
Proposal No.
2019-02817
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2019
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2023
Grant Year
2020
Program Code
[AFRP]- Alfalfa and Forage Program
Recipient Organization
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
FORT COLLINS,CO 80523
Performing Department
Western Colorado Rsch Center
Non Technical Summary
Demand for high-quality alfalfa hay is expanding whereas several biotic and abiotic factors are limiting alfalfa productivity. Mixing alfalfa with grasses is a well-known practice to increase hay yield. Growers, however, are concerned about alfalfa-grass hay quality. Recent studies indicated that if appropriate grass species and mixing ratio are selected, the hay quality of alfalfa-grass can be equal to pure alfalfa. Majority of previous works have studied alfalfa-grass when they are commingled in the mixture. We are proposing row intercropping, as an alternative method for alfalfa-grass co-production, to minimize management challenges and facilitate species establishment and co-existence. We are proposing a multistate (CO, WY, ID, OR) project with an ultimate goal of enhancing economic profit and sustainability of alfalfa-based forage production systems in the western region. Specific objectives are to: evaluate yield and quality of alfalfa-grass under full and limited irrigation, determine the impact of grass presence on reducing damage from alfalfa weevil, determine the economic return of alfalfa versus alfalfa-grass systems, and deliver this information to stakeholders via a robust extension plan. Replicated field trials will be established at participating states to evaluate alfalfa-grass production with various grass species, planting configuration, and irrigation regimes. Data (hay yield/quality, irrigation water use, input and output costs, and weevil infestation) will be collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical procedures. An extensive extension plan has been designed. The project is expected to produce a multi-state recommendation and guideline for effectively integrating grasses into alfalfa fields and the BMP with this regard.
Animal Health Component
60%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
60%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1021640310030%
2051640107030%
2111640113020%
6011640301020%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants; 205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1640 - Alfalfa;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1070 - Ecology; 3010 - Economics; 3100 - Management;
Goals / Objectives
The ultimate goal of this project is to enhance economic profit as well as sustainability of alfalfa-based forage production systems in the western US. Specific objectives are:Evaluate yield, quality, and seasonal distribution of hay produced in pure alfalfa versus alfalfa-grass systems under inter-row and mixed cropping in response to full and deficit irrigation;Determine effects of grass presence in alfalfa fields on reducing alfalfa weevil population;Determine the overall economic return of pure alfalfa versus various alfalfa-grass cropping systems under full and deficit irrigation;Deliver and transfer findings from the study to stakeholders via a robust extension and outreach plan.
Project Methods
To accomplish Objective 1, replicated field trials will be established in CO, WY, ID, and OR. At each location, a split-plot design with two factors and four replications will be established. Irrigation regimewill serve as the main plot and alfalfa-grass configuration as the subplot. The experimental treatments will include:Factor A: Irrigation regime (full irrigation [100% ETcfor all four cuts] anddeficit irrigation [100% ETcfor the 1stand 4thcuts and 70% ETcfor the 2ndand 3rdcuts]).Factor B: Alfalfa-grass planting configurationPure stand of alfalfa (100% alfalfa)75% alfalfa + 25% orchardgrass mixture75% alfalfa + 25% tall fescue mixture75% alfalfa + 25% meadow brome mixture50% alfalfa + 50% orchardgrass mixture50% alfalfa + 50% tall fescue mixture50% alfalfa + 50% meadow brome mixture50% alfalfa + 50% orchardgrass growing on alternate rows (2 rows alfalfa, 2 rows orchardgrass)50% alfalfa + 50% tall fescue growing on alternate rows (2 rows alfalfa, 2 rows tall fescue)50% alfalfa + 50% meadow brome growing on alternate rows (2 rows alfalfa, 2 rows meadow brome)Field and seedbed preparation will start in August 2019. Crop evapotranspiration will be calculated by multiplying reference evapotranspiration (ETo) by the crop coefficient (Kc). Daily ETowill be retrieved from the meteorological station at each location. For pure alfalfa, Kcwill follow alfalfa-based coefficients at each cutting. For the alfalfa-grass mix and intercropping, Kcwill be calculated following the crop proportion in each treatment. In addition to crop ET, soil moisture will be monitored in one of the four blocks at each location using neutron probeor soil moisture sensors.Measurements: Stand establishment in each plot will be measured by counting fully established plants in an area of 1 m2in each plot in November 2019. Plots will be cut based on optimum alfalfa growth stages to determine fresh forage yields. To determine yields on a dry matter basis, subsamples will be collected from each plot at the time of cutting. Grass, alfalfa, and weed biomass will then be separated for each plot and their share in the total weight will be determined. Accordingly, dry hay yield, alfalfa-grass percentage, and weed weight can be determined in each plot. A dried subsample will be ground through a 1 mm sieve and will be used to determine forage quality (CP, ADF, NDF, NDFD, IVTDMD). Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) will be calculated as forage dry yield from all cuts divided by water use.Data analysis: All data collected from this experiment will be analyzed using Proc GLIMMIXin SAS. Alfalfa-grass configuration and irrigation regime will be treated as fixed effects, while year and block will be treated as random effects. The effect of cutting will be considered as a repeated measure. Residuals from each model fit will be analyzed for homogeneity of variance and normality with the Shapiro-Wilk W test from the univariate function. Treatment effects will be considered significant atP≤ 0.05, and pairwise comparisons will be made using the lsmeans statement with the Fisher's Least Significant Difference method.To accomplish Objective 2, Weevil densities will be sampled from all plots in the fully irrigated treatmentto determine the effect of grass presence on alfalfa weevil infestation. Just before the first cutting, alfalfa weevil density will be estimated using sweep-net sampling. Both adult and larvae numbers will be counted. In addition, 10 plant samples will be selected randomly from each plot, with 3 alfalfa stems/sample, using an N-shaped transect in the middle of each plot. The stems will be examined and assigned either damaged or undamaged using a 10-point damage rating scale.To estimate larval densities, alfalfa stems will be cut from the base of the plant with scissors and placed into a Ziploc bag and kept in a cooler until transported to the lab. Alfalfa weevil larvae will be dislodged from foliage by vigorous shaking in a plastic bucket. The larvae then will be categorized into two age classes, 'young' (L1-L2) and 'old' (L3-L4). The percentage reduction of alfalfaweevilin alfalfa-grass mixtures compared to pure alfalfa will be calculated.Data analysis: Adult and larval densities, number of damaged stems and damage scale rating will be made to satisfy assumptions of ANOVA. Significant differences (P<0.05) will be further analyzed based on treatment comparisons.To accomplish Objective 3, a comparative profitability analysis of alfalfa versus alfalfa-grass production will be performed. This analysis will consider the economic value of yield-quality tradeoffs across the experimental treatments as well as the potential economic benefits of mixed and inter-row cropping to alfalfa weevil suppression. The analysis will focus on Returns Above Variable Costs (RAVC) which is gross revenue minus operating expenses. Ownership or 'fixed' costs will be excluded from the analysis. In conventional experiments, such as yield trials, the profitability ranking for RAVC is that same as yields. Here, we hypothesize that the profitability ranking will be more nuanced and depend on additional factors including the relative yields and prices of alfalfa and grass hay, quality of the harvested hay, observed weevil abundance and damage, and pest management costs related to chemical applications and scouting. Capturing this full range of variables will enable our empirical analysis to explain and incorporate variation in RAVC into the assessment, through the calculations of risk premiums following methodology established in Chavas et al., (2009), and therefore shed light on the risk profile of the experimental treatments in addition to comparing simple averages. Because pest abundance and damage will vary across treatments, locations and years, the economic efficacy and profitability of pest management expenditures will also vary. Within this context, comparing the RAVC to expected chemical pesticide application levels for each treatment will enable the construction of an abatement cost curve for pesticide reductions. This economic information is useful to provide to producers considering switching to alfalfa-grass systems and to inform the development of policies that aim to reduce applications.To accomplish Objective 4,this objective will be fulfilled in collaboration with stakeholders, extension agents, and educators. To facilitate this, an advisory board comprised of hay growers, livestock farmers, crop advisors, and extension staff has been formed. The advisory group will remain extensively involved in the project by participating in two meetings with the project management team every year. Outreach activities will be conducted routinely via personal, phone, and email communications. Additionally, stakeholders will remain engaged by research personnel via participating in grower meetings, organizing field tours, establishing demonstration farms, and providing technical support to growers. In summer 2020 and 2021, a field day will be organized at each location and the project personnel will present updates on project progress. One educational workshop will be held at each site in fall 2021 and hands-on training for best management practices on alfalfa-grass production will be provided. Additionally, research personnel will present the findings of the project to stakeholders and extension staff in each state. Our research results will be published in the form of extension fact sheets and bulletins, annual research reports, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed journal articles. Online educational materials will also be provided to assist with distribution to the broader agricultural community. Additionally, research personnel will be attending national, regional, and local scientific conferences and share the findings of this project with participants.

Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audiences throughout the duration of this projectwereproducers of alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures, agricultural consultants, Extension agents, and NRCS field personnel through field days, workshops, conferences, symposia,and online Extension programs. Secondarily, information was shared with other faculty and graduate students at local, regional, and national meetings. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Departmental seminar: Doyle, H. 2023. Intercropping alfalfa (Medicago sativa)with select grass speciesfor increased yield and quality underdeficit irrigation. CSU Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Fort Collins, CO.? Professional meeting poster presentation: Qin, R., S. Torabian, G. Wang, R.K. Afshar, X. Liang, A. Islam, and J.E. Brummer. 2023. Forage Biomass and Quality as Affected by Different Planting Configurations and Irrigation. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, St Louis, MO. Ag day presentation: Qin, R. 2023. Forage Biomass under Different Alfalfa-Grass Configurations and Irrigation Regimes in the Columbia Basin. Hermiston Farm City Expo, Ag Day. Hermiston, OR. February 24, 2023. Professional meeting presentation: Islam, M.A. and Munkaila, M. 2023. Planting Configurations and Irrigation Regimes Affect Yield, Quality, and Economic Returns of Alfalfa-grass Mixtures. Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium, December 23, 2023. Sparks, NV. Field day presentation: Doyle, H. 2022.Intercropping alfalfa (Medicago sativa)with select grass speciesfor increased yield and quality underfull and deficit irrigation. CSU Grand Valley Research Station Field Day, Fruita, CO. Professional meeting poster presentation: Doyle, H.S., Brummer, J.E., and Afshar, R.K. 2022. Intercropping Alfalfa with Select Grass Species to Increase Yield and Quality Under Full and Deficit Irrigation. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting. Fort Collins, CO, June 21-22, 2022. Field day presentations: Liang, X. Forage yield and nutritive value of different alfalfa-grass intercropping systems under two irrigation regimes. Forage field days, Aberdeen and Rexburg, May 19-20, 2022. (2 presentations) Forage school presentations: Liang, X. Forage yield and nutritive value of different alfalfa-grass intercropping systems under two irrigation regimes. Forage Schools, March 2 (Preston) and March 3 (Mud Lake and Blackfoot), 2022. (3 presentations) Professional meeting poster presentation: Munkaila, M., Islam, M.A., Brummer, J., Liang, X., Qin, R., and Afshar, R.K. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures under Full and Deficit Irrigations. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Tri-societies Meetings in Baltimore, MD, November 6-9, 2022. Professional meeting poster presentation: Munkaila, M., and Islam, M.A. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures Under Full and Deficit Irrigations. Western Societyof Crop Science Annual Meeting. Fort Collins, CO, June 21-22, 2022. Field day poster presentation: Munkaila, M., and Islam, M.A. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures Under Full and Deficit Irrigations in Wyoming. Agriculture Experiment Station Field Day, Lingle, WY, August 22, 2022. Departmental seminar: Munkaila, M., and Islam, M.A. 2022. Yield, quality, and economic returns of alfalfa-grass mixtures planted at different configurations under full and deficit irrigation. Department of Plant Sciences Seminar, University of Wyoming, Laramie, May 4, 2022. Professional meeting presentation: Qin, R., Torabian, S., Wang, G., Afshar, R., Liang, X., Islam, A., and Brummer, J.E. 2022. Forage production under different alfalfa-grass configurations and irrigation regimes in the Columbia Basin. ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2022 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Nov. 7, 2022. Professional meeting poster presentation: Zagato, L.Q.S.D., Liang, X., Afshar, R.K., Islam, A., Qin, R., and Brummer, J.E. Yield of alfalfa-grass intercropping systems in response to two irrigation regimes. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting. Fort Collins, CO, June 21-22, 2022. Field day presentation: Doyle, H. 2021.Intercropping alfalfa (Medicago sativa)with select grass speciesfor increased yield and quality underfull and deficit irrigation. CSU Grand Valley Research Station Field Day, Fruita, CO. Field day poster presentation: Munkaila, M. and A. Islam. 2021. Productivity of alfalfa-grass mixtures. Field Day Poster presentation, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center, August 25, 2021, University of Wyoming, Lingle, WY. Departmental seminar: Munkaila, M. 2021. Yield, quality, and economic returns of alfalfa-grass mixtures planted at different configurations under full and deficit irrigation. Departmental seminar for graduate students, November 5, 2021, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. Professional meeting presentation: Qin, R., S. Torabian, G. Wang, R.K. Afshar, X. Liang, A. Islam, and J. Brummer. 2021. Forage biomass under different alfalfa-grass configurations and irrigation regimes. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings. Salt Lake City, UT. November 7-10, 2021. Regional forage meeting presentation: Qin, R. 2021. Hay production as affected by alfalfa-grass mixture or intercropping. WERA 1014 and Pacific Northwest Forage Workers Meeting. Prosser, WA. July 27, 2021. Invited online presentation: Liang, X. Crop physiology in response to abiotic and biotic factors and cropping systems. Seminar to graduate students at Beijing Forestry University (online). November 14, 2021 (invited). Professional meeting poster presentation: Liang, X., R.K. Afshar, A. Islam, R. Qin, J.E. Brummer, P. Cabot. Forage yield and nutritive value of different alfalfa-grass intercropping systems under two irrigation regimes. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings. Salt Lake City, UT, November 7-10, 2021. Online Extension presentation: Liang, X. Field project updates on alfalfa, cereals, pulses, and quinoa. Ag Talk Tuesday, University of Idaho Extension,July 20, 2021. Online Extension presentation: Liang, X. Field project updates onalfalfa, quinoa, barley, and wheat. Ag Talk Tuesday, University of Idaho Extension, July 7, 2020. Online Extension presentation: Liang, X. Field project updates on alfalfa, quinoa, barley, and wheat. UI Pest Management Research Tour, Aberdeen, ID, June 30, 2020. Advisory committee meeting presentation: Liang, X. Adopting alternative crops in eastern Idaho. Advisory committee meeting of alternative crops. Aberdeen, ID, December 9, 2020. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to people of interest at various events including field days, forage/pasture schools, workshops, conferences, symposia,departmentalseminars, and professional meetings. The project in Idaho was highlighted in the following that reached out to a more general audience: CALS Research Shows Promise in Deficit Irrigating Latter Alfalfa Cuttings. John O'Connell. Gem State Producer - Idaho Farm Bureau 26(6):39. September 2022. U of I Research Shows Promise in Deficit Irrigating Latter Alfalfa Cuttings. John O'Connell. Intermountain Farm & Ranch, August 5, 2022. https://www.postregister.com/farmandranch/crops/hay/u-of-i-research-shows-promise-in-deficit-irrigating-latter-alfalfa-cuttings/article_b2606a50-c76e-515e-a7a9-0e2b5adb18fd.html CALS Research Shows Promise in Deficit Irrigating Latter Alfalfa Cuttings. John O'Connell. Catching Up with CALS -- July 27, 2022. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Colorado: Obj. 1: This study was conducted at the CSUGrand Valley Research Station near Fruita, Colorado during2021 and 2022. Orchardgrass, meadow brome, and tall fescuewere mixed on the same bed or strip intercropped on alternating beds with alfalfa under 100% and 60% ET irrigation regimes using subsurface drip irrigation. Three cuts occurred in 2021 and 2022, with deficit irrigation starting after cut one. Yield, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF),and relative feed value (RFV) were analyzed. During year one, irrigation did not have a significant impact on yield due to high precipitation. In 2021, all mixed treatments, tall fescue stripped, and meadow brome stripped yields were similar to alfalfa. In 2021, the inclusion of grasses with alfalfa reduced CPcontent and increased NDF content during cutting one. In cuttings two and three, mixed intercropping did not generally reduce quality. Stripped treatments also reduced quality in cutting one, butnotin subsequent cuttings.In 2022, deficit irrigation reduced yields by 22and 35% in cuttings two and three. Total yields in mixed intercropping treatments were significantly higher thanalfalfa alone, especially for tall fescue and orchardgrass.Similar to 2021, crude protein and RFV decreased while NDF and ADF increased in intercropping treatments compared to alfalfa alone. In subsequent cuttings, quality was generally similar amongtreatments.Mixed intercropping grass with alfalfa can lead to increased yields with minimal effects on forage quality compared to alfalfa alone. Obj. 2: Alfalfa weevils were highest in monoculture alfalfa plots and reduced in all mixed and intercropped grass/alfalfa plots. Obj. 3:Allinputs (e.g., fertilizers, irrigation, labor, etc.) were recorded during the three growing seasons but this data is still being processed to be published at a later date. Obj. 4: Findings from this project were presented at 2 field days, 1 professional meeting, and 1 departmental seminar. Idaho: Obj. 1: The experimental field was established in August 2019 near Aberdeen, Idaho, and data was collectedfor 3 years from 2020 to 2022. Hay was harvested 3 times per year to determine yield andnutritive value. In 2020-2021, for the deficit irrigation treatment (40% reduction during the 2nd and 3rd cuttings relative to the full irrigation), water savings was between 7.4 and 8.4 inches, but the yield loss was only 14-17%. These results suggest an improved water use efficiency (yield per unit of water input) when the amount of irrigation water is reduced. In 2020, hay yield of alfalfa-grass intercropping outperformed alfalfa, but the advantages to mixtures during the dry 2021 season were not observed. Alfalfa is more drought tolerant than grasses and was fully established in 2021, which may have given it a competitive advantage over the grasses. Alfalfa intercropping with a low percentage of grasses (e.g., 75% alfalfa + 25% grass) resulted in comparable nutritive values with pure alfalfa. Obj. 2:At Aberdeen, Idaho, no obvious weevil damage was observed from 2020 to 2022, so this objective could not be evaluated. Obj. 3: Allinputs (e.g., fertilizers, irrigation, labor, etc.) were recorded during the three growing seasons but this data is still being processed to be published at a later date. Obj. 4:Project progress and preliminary findings were presented at 9 extension events to approximately 500 attendees. The project was also reported 3 times in public media. Oregon: Obj. 1: The field trial was initiated in August 2019 nearHermiston, Oregon. Observations and measurements were carried out from 2020 to 2022. The hay was cut 5 times per year from May to September/October. Hay biomass wasrecorded and then separated intoalfalfa and grass components to determine contribution of each to total yield. Composite hay samples were then analyzed for nutritive value. During the spring of 2020 when the forage stands were still establishing, the field was infested with weeds and it was impossible to observe treatment effects. Therefore,the field was mowed twice in an effort to control the weeds. Starting inJuly, which equated to the third cutting, forage stands were able to outcompete the weedsand crop performance was able to be evaluated. Total biomass from the remainingthree cuttings (i.e., July, August, and September) did not show any significant differences among planting configurations. No water treatments were conducted in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, fivecuttings were conducted each year. Deficit water treatments (60% of ET) were also conducted during the later cuttings. Results from 2021 showed alfalfa alone produced higher or comparable hay yields to the treatments that were mixedor intercroppedwith grasses except forthe treatments where tall fescue was mixedor intercropped50:50 with alfalfa. However, in 2022, alfalfa alone produced less hay than other planting configurations except when intercroppedwith meadow brome or orchardgrass or mixed 50:50 withmeadow brome. Relative feed value (RFV) and crude protein were generally similar in 2021 but higher in alfalfa alone in 2022. Alfalfa alone generally hadlower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and lower or similar acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents compared to other planting configurations. Throughout the season, the first cutting generally had the highest yield compared to any of the other four cuttings. Relative feed value (RFV) and crude protein tended to increase but the NDF and ADF contents tended to decrease with the later cuttingsin both years. Across allplanting configurations, deficit irrigation tended to reduce hay production, ADF, and NDF, while it tended to increase RFV or had no effect on crude protein. Our findings imply that more studies are needed to determine optimal results of mixing alfalfa with grass in the region. Obj. 2:At Hermiston, Oregon, slight weevil damageoccurred in the first cutting, but no significant differences were observed among the planting configurations or water treatments. Obj. 3:Allinputs (e.g., fertilizers, irrigation, labor, etc.) were recorded during the three growing seasons but this data is still being processed to be published at a later date. Obj. 4:Project and research findings were presented at one extension event and three professional conferences. More presentations are planned in the future to be given at local extension events, especially since Covid is no longer an issue. Wyoming: Obj. 1:The field study was established at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center in 2020 and 2021. Treatments included monocrop alfalfa, 75-25 ratio, 50-50 mixed row planting, and 50-50 alternate row planting of alfalfa with each of three perennial cool-season grasses (i.e., orchardgrass, tall fescue, and meadow bromegrass) under full and deficit irrigation. Under full irrigation, the 75-25 mixture with tall fescue produced the highest two-year total forage dry matter while alternate row planting of alfalfa and orchardgrass produced the highest under deficit irrigation. Deficit irrigation impacted forage dry matter yield negatively. Monocrop alfalfa and mixtures were moreproductive under deficit irrigation. Obj. 2: Intercropping alfalfa with grasses at a seeding ratio of 50-50 reduced alfalfa weevil numbers. Obj. 3: Economic analysis revealed that 75-25 mixture of alfalfa and tall fescue under full irrigation produced the highest net present value. Deficit irrigation reduced costs associated with irrigation, however, this did not result in higher net present value compared to full irrigation. Alternate row planting with orchardgrass under deficit irrigation produced similar net present value compared to the treatments under full irrigation. Obj. 4: Findings from the project were presented at 2 field days and 3 professional meetings over the course of the study.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Munkaila, M. and M.A. Islam. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures under Full and Deficit Irrigations. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting, June 21-22, 2022, Fort Collins, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Zagato, L.Q.S.D., X. Liang, R.K. Afshar, A. Islam, R. Qin, and J.E. Brummer. 2022. Yield of Alfalfa-Grass Intercropping Systems in Response to Two Irrigation Regimes. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting, June 21-22, 2022, Fort Collins, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Doyle, H., J.E. Brummer, and R.K. Afshar. 2022. Intercropping Alfalfa with Select Grass Species to Increase Yield and Quality Under Full and Deficit Irrigation. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting, June 21-22, 2022, Fort Collins, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Qin, R., S. Torabian, G. Wang, R.K. Afshar, X. Liang, M.A. Islam, and J.E. Brummer. 2022. Forage Production Under Different Alfalfa-Grass Configurations and Irrigation Regimes in the Columbia Basin. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Qin, R., S. Torabian, G. Wang, R.K. Afshar, X. Liang, M.A. Islam, and J.E. Brummer. 2021. Forage Biomass Under Different Alfalfa-Grass Configurations and Irrigation Regimes. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Doyle, H. 2023. Intercropping Alfalfa with Select Grass Species for Increased Yield and Quality Under Deficit Irrigation. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, M.S. Thesis, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Munkaila, M. 2023. Yield, Quality, and Economic Returns of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures Planted at Different Configurations Under Full and Deficit Irrigation. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, M.S. Thesis, University of Wyoming, Laramie WY.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Zagato, L.Q.S.D. 2023. Herbage Accumulation and Quality of Alfalfa-Grass Intercropping Systems in Response to Two Irrigation Regimes. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, M.S. Thesis, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Munkaila, M, M.A. Islam, J.E. Brummer, R.K. Afshar, X. Liang, and R. Qin. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures under Full and Deficit Irrigations. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Qin, R., S. Torabian, G. Wang, R.K. Afshar, X. Liang, A. Islam, and J.E. Brummer. 2023. Forage Biomass and Quality as Affected by Different Planting Configurations and Irrigation. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, St Louis, MO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Liang, X., R.K. Afshar, R. Qin, M.A. Islam, J.E. Brummer, P. Cabot, and L.Q.S.D Zagato. 2021. Forage Yield and Nutritive Value of Different Alfalfa-Grass Intercropping Systems Under Two Irrigation Regimes. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Sapkota, B.R., X. Liang, R.K. Afshar, M.A. Islam, R. Qin, and P. Cabot. 2020. Yield and Forage Nutritive Value of Alfalfa-Grass Mixture in Response to Different Alfalfa-Grass Configurations and Irrigation Regimes. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting (Virtual).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Islam, M.A. and M. Munkaila. 2023. Planting Configurations and Irrigation Regimes Affect Yield, Quality, and Economic Returns of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures. Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium, Sparks, NV.


Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience during this reporting period was producers of alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures, agricultural consultants, Extension agents, and NRCS field personnel through field days and online Extension programs. Secondarily, information was shared with other faculty and graduate students at local, regional, and national meetings and workshops. Changes/Problems:At the University of Idaho site, an extra year of data was collected in 2022 to match the timeline at other sites. Due to COVID, some proposed travel wascanceled which allowedbudget to be transferred to cover operational costs for the third-year data collection. COVID restrictions delayedestablishment of plots for the first year at the University of Wyoming site, however, we were able to establish two sets of experimental plots and collectdata for two years. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Doyle, H.S., Brummer, J.E., and Afshar, R.K. 2022.Intercropping Alfalfa with Select Grass Species to Increase Yield and Quality Under Full and Deficit Irrigation.Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting. Fort Collins, CO, June 21-22, 2022. Liang, X. Forage yield and nutritive value of different alfalfa-grass intercropping systems under two irrigation regimes. Forage field days, Aberdeen and Rexburg, May 19-20, 2022 (2 presentations) Liang, X. Forage yield and nutritive value of different alfalfa-grass intercropping systems under two irrigation regimes. Forage Schools, March 2 (Preston) and March 3 (Mud Lake and Blackfoot), 2022. (3 presentations) Munkaila, M., Islam, M.A., Brummer, J., Liang, X., Qin, R., and Afshar, R.K. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures under Full and Deficit Irrigations. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Tri-societies Meetings in Baltimore, MD, November 6-9, 2022. Munkaila, M., and Islam, M.A. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures Under Full and Deficit Irrigations. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting. Fort Collins, CO, June 21-22, 2022. Munkaila, M., and Islam, M.A. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures Under Full and Deficit Irrigations in Wyoming. Agriculture Experiment Station Field Day, Lingle, WY, August 22, 2022. Munkaila, M., and Islam, M.A. 2022. Yield, quality, and economic returns of alfalfa-grass mixtures planted at different configurations under full and deficit irrigation. Department of Plant Sciences Seminar, University of Wyoming, Laramie, May 4, 2022. Qin, R., Torabian, S., Wang, G., Afshar, R., Liang, X., Islam, A., and Brummer, J.E.2022. Forage production under different alfalfa-grass configurations and irrigation regimes in the Columbia Basin. ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2022 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Nov. 7, 2022. Zagato, L.Q.S.D.,Liang, X., Afshar, R.K., Islam, A., Qin, R., and Brummer, J.E.Yield of alfalfa-grass intercropping systems in response to two irrigation regimes. Western Society of Crop Science Annual Meeting. Fort Collins, CO, June 21-22, 2022. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to people of interest at various events including field days, forage/pasture schools, regional meetings, and professional meetings. The project in Idaho was highlighted in: U of I Research Shows Promise in Deficit Irrigating Later Alfalfa Cuttings. John O'Connell. Farm & Ranch, August 5, 2022. CALS Research Shows Promise in Deficit Irrigating Later Alfalfa Cuttings. John O'Connell. Catching Up with CALS -- July 27, 2022. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Graduate students at Colorado State University, the University of Idaho, and the Univesity of Wyoming are all in the process of analyzing data and writing their theseswithplanned graduations during the spring of 2023. A post-doc is working with Dr. Qin at Oregon State University to complete data analysis and writing of results from his part of the project. The University of Wyoming plans to continue collecting data during the summer of 2023 in order to get2 years of data fromthe second set of plots that were planted due to poor initial establishment. Extension presentations on reuslts from this project will continue to be given by faculty and graduate students from all universites as opportunities present themselves.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Colorado: Obj 1. Third year of yield and forage quality data collected on flood irrigatedfield established in spring of 2020. Second year of data collection on subsurface drip irrigated field that was established in fall of 2020. Irrigation, yield, and forage quality data is currently being analyzed by the graduate student. Obj 2. Weevil data was collected and is being analyzed. Obj 3. Data is being generated for economic analysis. Obj 4. Resuts were shared with other graduate students in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department at Colorado State University. In addition, results were shared with producers during informal visits to the Grand Valley Research Station. Idaho: Obj. 1. Finished third-year of data collection on hay yield and nutritive value. Still processing forage quality (nutritive value) data from the third cutting. Obj. 2. No weevil damage was noted in 2022. Obj. 3. Seasonal inputs were collected for the economic analysis. Obj. 4. Results from the project were presented at 5 Extension events in Idaho. Oregon: Obj. 1. The third-year of the experiment was completed in 2022. Data wascollectedon hay yield, plant height, weevil counts, etc. The quality data is still beingprocessed. Obj. 2. Alfalfa weevil was only observed during the first cutting. However, no effect of grass on weevil population was detected. Obj. 3. All information wascollected and the analysis is ongoing. Obj. 4. The project was introduced at multiple Extension events, such as field days, farm fairs, and meetings. Wyoming: Obj. 1. Completed second year data collection, harvesting, and nutritive value for 2019 established experiment and first year data collection for the same for 2020 established experiment. Data compilation and statistical analysis are ongoing. Obj. 2. Data collection completed for the second year and data is being analyzed. Obj. 3. All inputs for economic analysis for last two years are collected and are in the process of analyses. Obj. 4. Preliminary data was presented atfield days and pasture demonstrations.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Munkaila, M., and Islam, M.A. 2022. Productivity of Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures under Full and Deficit Irrigations in Wyoming environments. Agriculture Experiment Station Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming.


Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience during this reporting period was producers of alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures, agricultural consultants, Extension agents, and NRCS field personnelthrough field days and online Extension programs. Secondarily, information was shared with other faculty and graduate students at local, regional, and national meetings and workshops. Changes/Problems:Covid restrictions continued to limit outreach activities to some degree in 2021. The initial seeding in 2019 at the Wyoming site failed, was reseeded in 2020,and again in 2021. Both seedings at Wyoming are now productive and data is being collected from each. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Poster presentation: Munkaila, M. and A. Islam. 2021. Productivity of alfalfa-grass mixtures. Field Day Poster presentation, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center, August 25, 2021, University of Wyoming, Lingle, WY. Departmental seminar: Munkaila, M. 2021. Yield, quality, and economic returns of alfalfa-grass mixtures planted at different configurations under full and deficit irrigation. Departmental seminar for graduate students, November 5, 2021, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. Professional meeting presentation: Qin, R., S. Torabian, G. Wang, R.K. Afshar, X. Liang, A. Islam, and J. Brummer. 2021. Forage biomass under different alfalfa-grass configurations and irrigation regimes. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings. Salt Lake City, UT. November 7-10, 2021. Regional forage meeting presentation: Qin, R. 2021. Hay production as affected by alfalfa-grass mixture or intercropping. WERA 1014 and Pacific Northwest Forage Workers Meeting. Prosser, WA. July 27, 2021. Invited online presentation: Liang, X. Crop physiology in response to abiotic and biotic factors and cropping systems. Seminar to graduate students at Beijing Forestry University (online). November 14, 2021 (invited). Professional meeting presentation: Liang, X., R.K. Afshar, A. Islam, R. Qin, J.E. Brummer, P. Cabot. Forage yield and nutritive value of different alfalfa-grass intercropping systems under two irrigation regimes. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings. Salt Lake City, UT, November 7-10, 2021. Online Extension presentation: Liang, X. Field project updates on alfalfa, cereals, pulses, and quinoa. Ag Talk Tuesday, University of Idaho Extension. July 20, 2021. Advisory committee meeting presentation: Liang, X. Adopting alternative crops in eastern Idaho. Advisory committee meeting of alternative crops. Aberdeen, ID, December 9, 2020. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to people of interest at various events including field days, regional meetings, professional meetings, and online meetings due to Covid restrictions (see above for specifics). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 4: Faculty and graduate students will continue to give presentations on results from this projectto various groups including producers, agriculturalconsultants, county Extension agents, NRCS field personnel, and faculty and graduate students from other institutions.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Colorado: Obj 1. Second year of yield and forage quality data collected on flood irrigation field established in spring of 2020. First year of data collection on subsurface drip irrigatedfield that was established in fall of 2020. Irrigation, yield, and forage quality data currently being processed and analyzed. Obj 2.Weevil data was collected and is being processed. Obj 3.Data is being generated for economic analysis. Obj 4. Plots were shown to a group of school teachers plus study design and initiial results were shared with other graduate students in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department at Colorado State University. Idaho: Obj1. Finished the second year of the experiment, measuredforage yield from 3 cuts under full and deficit irrigation. Samples are being prepared for quality analysis. Obj2. No alfalfa weevils wereobserved in 2021. Obj4. The results were presented at two extension events. Oregon: Obj 1. Finishedsecond year of yield and seasonal distribution of hay production under different alfalfa-grass configurations. Obj 2. One-year of alfalfa weevil density data was collected. Obj 4. The project was introduced at two meeting events and many informal meetings with growers and other stakeholders. Wyoming: Obj 1. Study was planted for the second time and established; irrigation treatments wereinitiated; 4 harvests were made on amonthly interval and growth and biomass data were collected; a new planting in 2021 was done, a stand was successfully established, and a single harvest was taken; samples are being processed for growth and forage quality analyses. Obj 2. Weevil data was collected and is being processed. Obj 3. Data is being generated for economic analysis. Obj 4. Plots were demonstrated and preliminary data were presented atthe annual field day.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Munkaila, M. and A. Islam. 2021. Productivity of alfalfa-grass mixtures. Field Day Bulletin, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center, University of Wyoming, August, 2021.


Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20

Outputs
Target Audience:This project started in September 2019.Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, extension activities have been suspended. Changes/Problems:The major problemthat we faced was Covid-19 pandemicwhich limited our capability toperform research and extension activities What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A graduate student has been recruited to work on this project in University of Idaho. We are planning to hire one graduate studentatColorado State University and one graduate studentat theUniversity of Wyoming in the fall semester2020-2021 for the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As soon as the nationwide restrictions are lifted, the project will be continued as plannedand research and extension activities will be performed to address objective 1-4.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Research plots were established in September 2019 at four locations including: The Western Colorado Research Center at Fruita, Colorado University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Ag Research and Extension Center The Aberdeen Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho (Aberdeen, Idaho) The Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension, Oregon State University (Hermiston, Oregon) Research trial at each location consisted of twenty treatments replicated four times as outlined in the Approach section of the proposal. All locations received full irrigation in the fall to ensure good establishment. Project Management Team had seven online meetings so far to coordinate the project progress. The protocols for establishing research plots, irrigation management, weevil infestation study, and yield/quality data collection have been finalized and shared with the management team responsible for overseeing the project at each site. Because funding for this project became available with delay (in Feb 2020 instead of Sep 2019), we lost the opportunity to recruit graduate students for the fall semester 2019-2020 (except in Idaho). In the spring 2020 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hiring graduate students was not possible. We are planning to hire graduate students for fall semester 2020-2021. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, access to the research sites have been extremely restricted at all four locations. As soon as the nationwide restrictions are lifted, the project will be continued as planned and research and extension activities will be performed to address objective 1-4.

Publications