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Modeling a Sustainable Salt Tolerant Grass-Livestock Production System under Saline Conditions in the Western San Joaquin Valley of California

Author

Listed:
  • Máximo F. Alonso

    (Department of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile)

  • Dennis L. Corwin

    (USDA-ARS United States Salinity Laboratory, 450 West Big Springs Road, Riverside, CA 92507, USA)

  • James D. Oster

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California at Riverside, 900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521, USA)

  • John Maas

    (Department of Animal Science, University of California at Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA)

  • Stephen R. Kaffka

    (Department of Plant Sciences, University of California at Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA)

Abstract

Salinity and trace mineral accumulation threaten the sustainability of crop production in many semi-arid parts of the world, including California’s western San Joaquin Valley (WSJV). We used data from a multi-year field-scale trial in Kings County and related container trials to simulate a forage-grazing system under saline conditions. The model uses rainfall and irrigation water amounts, irrigation water quality, soil, plant, and atmospheric variables to predict Bermuda grass ( Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) growth, quality, and use by cattle. Simulations based on field measurements and a related container study indicate that although soil chemical composition is affected by irrigation water quality, irrigation timing and frequency can be used to mitigate salt and trace mineral accumulation. Bermuda grass yields of up to 12 Mg dry matter (DM)·ha −1 were observed at the field site and predicted by the model. Forage yield and quality supports un-supplemented cattle stocking rates of 1.0 to 1.2 animal units (AU)·ha −1 . However, a balance must be achieved between stocking rate, desired average daily gain, accumulation of salts in the soil profile, and potential pollution of ground water from drainage and leaching. Using available weather data, crop-specific parameter values and field scale measurements of soil salinity and nitrogen levels, the model can be used by farmers growing forages on saline soils elsewhere, to sustain forage and livestock production under similarly marginal conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Máximo F. Alonso & Dennis L. Corwin & James D. Oster & John Maas & Stephen R. Kaffka, 2013. "Modeling a Sustainable Salt Tolerant Grass-Livestock Production System under Saline Conditions in the Western San Joaquin Valley of California," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(9), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:5:y:2013:i:9:p:3839-3857:d:28688
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Grattan, S.R. & Grieve, C.M. & Poss, J.A. & Robinson, P.H. & Suarez, D.L. & Benes, S.E., 2004. "Evaluation of salt-tolerant forages for sequential water reuse systems: III. Potential implications for ruminant mineral nutrition," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 70(2), pages 137-150, November.
    2. Overman, A. R. & Angley, E. A. & Wilkinson, S. R., 1989. "A phenomenological model of coastal bermudagrass production," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 137-148.
    3. Editorial Article, 0. "Contents," Economics of Contemporary Russia, Regional Public Organization for Assistance to the Development of Institutions of the Department of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, issue 3.
    4. Wichelns, Dennis & Oster, J.D., 2006. "Sustainable irrigation is necessary and achievable, but direct costs and environmental impacts can be substantial," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 86(1-2), pages 114-127, November.
    5. Grieve, C.M. & Poss, J.A. & Grattan, S.R. & Suarez, D.L. & Benes, S.E. & Robinson, P.H., 2004. "Evaluation of salt-tolerant forages for sequential water reuse systems: II. Plant-ion relations," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 70(2), pages 121-135, November.
    6. Editorial Article, 0. "Contents," Economics of Contemporary Russia, Regional Public Organization for Assistance to the Development of Institutions of the Department of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, issue 2.
    7. Editorial Article, 0. "Contents," Economics of Contemporary Russia, Regional Public Organization for Assistance to the Development of Institutions of the Department of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, issue 3.
    8. Suyama, H. & Benes, S.E. & Robinson, P.H. & Grattan, S.R. & Grieve, C.M. & Getachew, G., 2007. "Forage yield and quality under irrigation with saline-sodic drainage water: Greenhouse evaluation," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 88(1-3), pages 159-172, March.
    9. Grattan, S. R. & Grieve, C. M. & Poss, J. A. & Robinson, P. H. & Suarez, D. L. & Benes, S. E., 2004. "Evaluation of salt-tolerant forages for sequential water reuse systems: I. Biomass production," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 70(2), pages 109-120, November.
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