NebGuide 2264 (Drewnoski/Blanco).pdf

Grazing double-cropped annual forages can increase revenue and capture soil benefits of cover crops. Many cover crop species can be used as excellent forage crops, improving diversity, productivity, and economic viability of cropping systems. Double-crop forage production is more feasible in southeastern and south-central Nebraska due to more growing degree days. Planting forage crops after wheat or corn silage can provide abundant forage, but rapid growth is crucial to prevent erosion. Winter hardy forage crops like cereal rye or triticale can provide forage in the spring, but their fall production is often less than cold-sensitive species. Grazing double-cropped forages can have minimal impact on soil compaction, usually confined to the upper 0-2 inch soil depth, and can be short-lived. Soils with higher organic matter are more resistant to compaction, and conservation tillage systems can reduce compaction risks. Grazing when the soil is frozen or dry can minimize compaction, and signs of pugging indicate susceptibility to compaction. Long-term studies have found that late fall, winter, or early spring grazing of corn residue did not reduce subsequent soybean yields. Grazing double-cropped forages may not substantially reduce soil organic matter benefits, as root-derived carbon inputs can be significant, and grazing can still capture a high percentage of the cover crop's potential soil stable carbon.