Project Number: 6602-12130-001-03
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Nov 28, 2007
End Date: Sep 30, 2010

Objective:
Our objective is to evaluate selected cropping and tillage systems that maximize water conservation and overall profit margins. Specifically, this cooperative arrangement incorporates conservation tillage and an alternate crop, pearl millet, into Mr. Hancock¿s farming operation to improve water/drought, fertility (source=poultry litter), and soil quality management and has poultry feed and biofuel implications.

Approach:
We will work with Mr. Fred Hancock to integrate and incorporate plot-, process-based research findings with on-farm issues, limitations, and management plans/practices that will sustain profitability and conserve soil and water. We will incorporate conservation tillage into his operation on a field-scale and monitor improvements in water and fertility management that subsequently impact his field/farm profit margins. We will also work with Mr. Hancock to incorporate an alternative crop, pearl millet, into his cropping systems/rotations and evaluate this crop¿s potential impact on water/drought (irrigation scheduling), poultry feed source (production), and biofuel implications.