Rainfed forage production system and goat grazing: an option for productive conversion
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Universidad Autónoma Chapingo
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Large semi-arid rainfed areas of Mexico with degraded soils require productive conversion alternatives. Also, goat production systems need to be integrated into agricultural areas to conserve rangeland in times of drought. The aim of this study was to evaluate the conversion of degraded soils by using a combination of annual crops such as corn and cereals, with brush and prickly pear cacti established in strips. Contour strip cropping reduced water erosion and runoff (P<0.05) by 50 and 70 % respectively, compared to a soil under continuous tillage. Soil moisture storage was 23 to 35 % (based on volume) higher than with conventional soil management. Moreover, the number of goats that can be fed with forage produced in a 10-ha area in the dry season (December to May) was estimated. The values range from 17.4 goats·ha-1 in a year, with higher than average rainfall, up to 3 goats·ha-1 in dry years, with an average of 9.6 goats·ha-1 in five years of study.
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