Effect of Grazing Double-Cropped Annual Forages on Soil and Crop Yields

Many of the species promoted and used as cover crops can be excellent forage crops. Obtaining animal production by grazing double-cropped forages (cover crops used for forage) has the potential to significantly improve the diversity, productivity, and economic viability of cropping systems while reducing erosion potential and increasing soil organic matter concentrations. The potential of double-crop forage production is less in northern (colder with fewer growing degree days) and southwestern (drier soil and higher evapotranspiration rates) Nebraska. Nevertheless, opportunities exist for double-crop forage production in Nebraska.