Forage Systems for Arid Areas

Forage systems in arid zones are characterized primarily by the limitation of water, thus, forage systems can be divided into two major categories: rainfed forages and irrigated forages. These two distinct forage systems are the basis of several important economic sectors, which produce a range of products for different markets, both export and domestic. Winter grazing of “stockpiled” forage requires deferring grazing of irrigated pasture forage or native range forage to the fall or winter months. Alfalfa is, unquestionably, the most important irrigated forage grown throughout the arid zones. The predominance of irrigation dictates alfalfa production practices in western states. Two types of irrigation predominate: sprinkler systems and surface (gravity‐fed) irrigation systems. Corn silage is an important forage in western regions where dairies predominate, and in some beef‐production areas. Irrigated pasture forms a significant component of western forage systems.

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