Colorado River water conservation and drought-resistant agriculture are at the forefront of a groundbreaking study that could reshape farming across the Western United States. Led by Colorado State University researchers, the study examines three innovative alternatives to alfalfa: Kernza, sainfoin, and silflower. These crops have the potential to dramatically reduce water usage while supporting sustainable farming and maintaining agricultural productivity.
Alfalfa currently consumes over 25% of Colorado River water, surpassing the combined domestic and industrial use of 40 million people. With water scarcity worsening, finding viable alternatives to this water-intensive crop is critical. Researchers believe these alternative crops could offer water efficiency solutions without compromising yields, helping farmers adapt to the challenges of climate change and resource limitations.
Kernza is a perennial grain derived from intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) that serves as a sustainable alternative to annual grains like wheat. Its deep roots, which can grow up to 10 feet, improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance water infiltration while sequestering carbon and requiring fewer fertilizers and pesticides. Developed by The Land Institute, Kernza provides ecosystem services, supports biodiversity, and is used for baking, brewing, and livestock forage.
Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is a perennial forage legume known for its high-quality hay, silage, and pasture for livestock. It enriches soil through nitrogen fixation, is drought-tolerant, and thrives in poor soils. Containing beneficial tannins, sainfoin prevents bloating in ruminants, improves animal health, and is highly nutritious and palatable to livestock, earning it the nickname "healthy hay."
Silflower (Silphium integrifolium), a North American perennial related to sunflowers, is being developed as a sustainable oilseed crop and pollinator habitat. Its resilience to drought and poor soils makes it suitable for marginal lands, while its flowers support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Producing seeds that yield oil comparable to sunflower oil, silflower also enhances soil health by reducing the need for annual planting.
Despite its high water demands, alfalfa remains a staple for farmers due to its reliable market demand and multiple harvests per year. Transitioning to alfalfa alternatives like Kernza and sainfoin presents significant economic challenges. To address these issues, research teams at the Western Colorado Research Center are developing detailed growing guides and market strategies. These efforts aim to reduce the financial risks associated with adopting new crops, paving the way for crop diversification and long-term agricultural stability.
Early trials suggest that Kernza, sainfoin, and silflower can thrive in water-scarce conditions, offering promise for drought-resistant agriculture. To ensure these crops are viable across diverse climates, researchers are conducting long-term studies in multiple Colorado locations. Sites include Fruita, with its 180 frost-free days, and Kremmling, which experiences a much shorter growing season.
These trials also focus on how alternative crops perform under projected climate adaptation scenarios, including more frequent droughts. Local ranchers like Paul Bruchez are actively participating in these tests, exploring how alternative crops could provide livestock feed alternatives while conserving water and strengthening operations against future shortages.
The development of alternative crops like Kernza, sainfoin, and silflower signals a shift toward sustainable farming practices in the West. By prioritizing water efficiency, Western water rights conservation, and economic feasibility, these innovations could redefine agriculture in an era of water scarcity.
Embracing these changes will require continued collaboration between researchers, farmers, and policymakers. However, the promise of a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future makes the effort worthwhile.
