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,~ (J (.\1 ~-l ".7) c;) practice is the least satisfactory from the standpoint of wildlife habitat, groundwater recharge, wind erosion and noxious weeds. If the comers are disked to control noxious weeds, the wind erosion problem is further intensified. The conventional practice of cropping the comers using surface ir- rigation is the least profitable or most costly under all situations budgeted except the potato intensive 50% potatoes and 50% malt barley rotation. In this latter case, permanent cover in the comers gives the lowest net return per quarter section. The conventional surface practice in the comers not only yields low net returns and high costs, but also c.arries the same disadvantages as the "comer" system from the standpoint of wildlife habitat and wind erosion control during the early spring preplant tillage period. Although river water is used and some recharge occurs, cropping also requires extensive pumping from groundwater to complete the crop. The practice of permanent cover in the corners indicates a higher net return than cropping the comers with surface irrigation except. when the share of the rotation in po'tatoes approaches 50%, in which case the net return is less for permanent cover than for the other practices. Although ACP payments have provided about 70% of the seeding cost for establishing permanent cover in a few cases, this provides for only a fraction of the cost when irrigation water for establishment and periodic maintenance is included. To maintain eligibility in this program, the cover must be dense enough to prevent 'wind erosion.1/ 1/ Landowners may also apply to the Colorado Division of Wildlife for assistance to cover 100% of the seeding cost, yet this is still minor compared to the irrigation costs. - 16 -