How do crop rotations impact water conservation in dryland systems?
Crop rotations that match precipitation patterns to crop water requirements and critical growth stages during the growing season are generally best suited to dryland systems. These often include crops with shorter growing seasons and crops that are able to predictably produce harvestable grain or forage with less water. In most semi-arid areas, including a fallow period in the rotation is necessary prior to crop with a higher water requirement.
