HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mannering, J. V. Articles by Johnson, C. B. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Mannering, J. V. Articles by Johnson, C. B. Agricola Articles by Mannering, J. V. Articles by Johnson, C. B.

Infiltration and Erosion as Affected by Minimum Tillage for Corn (Zea mays L.)¹

ABSTRACT

Minimum tillage for corn substantially increased infiltration and reduced soil erosion during a 5-year study on a sloping, silt loam soil in Indiana. These results were obtained under high-intensity, simulated rainfall with rows and tillage parallel to the slope. Infiltration averaged 24% greater and soil loss averaged 34% less from minimum tillage treatments than from conventional treatments. The different forms of minimum tillage tested, including plow-plant (with and without a trailing harrow) and wheel-track plant, resulted in about the same amount of erosion control. Erosion comparisons were made on first, third, and fifth year of corn following several years of alfalfa (medicago sativa) orchardgrass (dactylis glomerata) meadow. The relative erosion-reducing effectiveness of minimum tillage as compared with conventional tillage declined from 44% to 34% to 27% during this period. Destruction of surface crusts by cultivation greatly reduced both soil and water losses throughout the remainder of the crop year. Soil aggregation, organic matter content, and porosity were slightly higher on minimum tillage plots than on conventional plots after 5 years of treatment. Three tons per acre of dry hay used as surface mulch applied after the first cultivation essentially eliminated soil and water losses during the remainder of the crop season. The mulch also effected major reductions in soil and water losses in the succeeding year.

¹ Contribution from the Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA, in cooperation with the Indiana Agr. Exp. Sta. Journal Series Paper No. 2470. Presented before Div. S-6, Soil Science Society of America, Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 16–19, 1964.

² Soil Scientist, Agricultural Engineer, and Engineering Technician, respectively, USDA, Lafayette, Ind.

Received for publication February 18, 1965. Accepted for publication September 16, 1965.