In the Dark Brown soil zone, proper snow trapping techniques and effective weed control may make this option feasible. In the drier Brown soils, farmers should use flexible cropping practices and extend crop rotations when moisture conditions appear most favourable. The traditional two year crop-summerfallow rotation should be flexible. Good snow management and weed control methods may provide additional moisture for extending crop rotations. Long term control of saline seeps can best be achieved by establishing and permanently maintaining forage crops such as alfalfa and grasses.
Forages are deep-rooted and use more water than most annual crops.
The perennial forages use excess water in both the recharge and the discharge zones of groundwater, and should prevent salinity from getting worse. The use of forages in crop rotations is beneficial and will help control salinity problems. Where soils are strongly saline, one must be prepared to grow salt tolerant plants or nothing at all. Forage grasses are most tolerant of salinity, with the best forage species mix dependent on the severity of salts. Establishment may be difficult and it may take many years before you have a good stand.