In terrestrial ecosystems soils represent the largest carbon pool with more than two-thirds of total carbon present. Soil respiration is crucial for carbon balance adjustments in the terrestrial ecosystem as well as the global carbon cycle. Understanding soil respiration dynamics will help to know carbon transfer rate from soil to the atmosphere. Much of the carbon loss from soil may be attributed to the practice of plowing but this again depends on other factors like soil temperature, soil moisture, residue management and also crops grown. This study will measure short term, tillage induced soil CO2 flux in different cropping systems like cotton and grain sorghum. The relationship between soil respiration and environmental determinants like soil temperature, soil moisture, soil carbon and nitrogen stocks will also be evaluated.