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Effect of Tillage and Chemical Weed Control Practices on Soil Moisture Losses during the Fallow Period¹

ABSTRACT

Maintaining surface residues with stubble-mulch tillage or chemical weed control significantly improved moisture conditions in the seed zone and markedly reduced surface crusting. Field and laboratory studies showed the drying rate of the 0- to -inch portion of the soil profile was greatly reduced by plant residues on the soil surface. However, under field conditions soil moisture content below 2 inches was not materially increased by surface residues. The value of surface residues to increase moisture storage during the fallow period is discussed.

¹ Joint contribution from Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA and the Texas and Kansas Agr. Exp. Sta. Texas and Kansas Contribution No.'s T.A. 3658 and 718, respectively.

² Soil Scientist, SWCRD, ARS, USDA, Fort Collins, Colo.; Agronomist, Texas Agr. Exp. Sta., Bushland; and Soil Scientist, SWCRD, ARS, USDA, Manhattan, Kans., respectively.

Received for publication December 9, 1960. Accepted for publication February 9, 1961.