LAUSR

Forage production in semi‐arid regions of Brazil is limited by water deficit. This study aimed to identify the most adapted and efficient production systems and define their agricultural calendars for the semi‐arid region of Brazil. Twenty‐nine production arrangements that included different cropping conditions, plant density, plant cycles, water replenishment, use of soil cover and production arrangements based on the main crop (forage cactus) were simulated for 14 locations. On the basis of the agricultural calendar, planning from the beginning of December to January is ideal for rainfed systems. Compared with their monoculture systems, the intercropping system of forage cactus and irrigated sorghum increased the forage supply by 44% and 89%, respectively. The use of irrigation increased the forage cactus biomass by 150%, with an emphasis on the clone Orelha de Elefante Mexicana, which presented an average water productivity of 39 g m−2. The increase in the planting density of the forage cactus increased productivity by up to 140% under the control. The use of irrigated forage cactus and sorghum intercropping should be recommended, in addition to practices such as higher planting densities and the use of mulch to optimise yield.