The Rotational Benefits of Forages: Environment

•Provide wildlife habitat

•Reduce soil erosion

•Reduce pesticide use

•Reduce energy use

•Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Hay fields, pastures and riparian zones valuable habitat for many species of wildlife.

Species loss due to habitat loss can lead to imbalances in the ecosystem and problems such as greater pest pressure.

When soil is lost to erosion, it is lost forever. Along with soil, valuable organic matter and nutrients are also lost. Forages help to stabilize erodable land.

Annual based system with full inputs - 1999

Net return 1992-99 $28/acre/yr

Energy use 6220 MJ/ha/yr

C emissions 98 kg/ha/yr

Pesticide applications 2-3 per yr

Forage based system with no inputs - 1999

Net return 1992-1999 $94/acre/yr

Energy use 1743 MJ/ha/yr

C emissions 27 kg/ha/yr

Pesticide applications 0

21.9 bu/acre - +pesticide +fertilizer

1999

1999

21.9 bu/acre - 8th organic crop

Forages help to sustain crop yield

10’ tubes with alfalfa -root growth andC deposition

More carbon is stored by forages- value in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

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