Influence of No‐tillage on Soil Moisture1

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Abstract
Field studies were conducted to compare the effect of no‐tillage versus conventional tillage corn (Zea mays L.) production on soil moisture. The studies were made on a Donerail silt loam in 1968 and 1969 and on a Maury silt loam in 1970. Soil moisture was measured periodically at various depths in the soil profile during the growing seasons.No tillage treatments had higher volumetric moisture contents to a depth of 60 cm during most of the growing season. The greatest differences occurred in the upper 0 to 8‐cm depth. Beyond a depth of 60 cm, systems of tillage had little influence on soil moisture during the growing seasons. Soil moisture curves indicate different water withdrawal patterns under the two contrasting methods of tillage. The decrease in evaporation and the greater ability to store moisture under no‐tillage produces a greater water reserve. This can often carry the crop through periods of short‐term drought and avoid the development of detrimental moisture stresses in the plant. The more efficient use of soil moisture by no‐tillage is reflected in higher corn yields. This study further substantiates the effectiveness of no‐tillage systems of corn production on well to moderately well‐drained silt loam soils in Kentucky and other regions with similar climatic regimes.

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