Utilization of Water in a Semi-Arid Region

A five-year study in the Southern High Plains (annual rainfall of 16 inches) using combinations of bare micro-watershed and growing bed widths resulted in increased crop yields on the growing beds as the proportion of micro-watershed was increased. However, yields for the entire area (including both bed and shed) decreased. Limited work indicated the possibility of also cropping the shed areas and it was concluded that this would be a more practical way of utilizing micro-watersheds. Grain sorghum and sunflowers were successful dryland crops on both beds and sheds while wheat was more suitable as a crop on the sheds rather than on the beds. The use of an antitranspirant (atrazine) gave promising results on grain sorghum but further work is needed.

Project B-029-NMEX