Impact of Cover Crop on Total Soil Carbon and Soil Hydraulic Properties in Diverse Terrain.

In a time of changing climate, it will be essential to maximize yields and minimize environmental impact in corn based cropping systems. This research is part of a larger study that aims to increase the resiliency and sustainability of the corn based cropping rotation. Our project focuses on the effects of cover crop presence on total soil carbon and water retention in diverse terrain, specifically at contrasting topographical positions of summits, slopes, and depressions. Total soil carbon and water retention values were collected prior to the start of the project in 2011, and then in 2013 and 2015, at 2 and 4 years respectively, after the introduction of winter rye cover crop.