Double Croping VS. Cover Cropping in North Texas Wheat Systems.

Cover crops have been heavily advocated in recent years, including semi-arid regions where success of cover cropping is questioned. In North Texas, warm-season, multi-species cover crop mixes are recommended in no-till wheat systems and terminated prior to wheat planting. Our objective was to compare the impact of double cropping versus cover cropping in no-till wheat systems on soil moisture storage and subsequent crop yields. Evaluated treatments included no-till wheat (control); no-till wheat with three different mixed species cover crops with two different termination timings; and no-till wheat with double crops of guar, mungbeans, and cowpeas. Neutron probes were installed and monitored for soil moisture at 20 cm depth increments to 140 cm. Soil samples were analyzed for soil N and C, and microbial analysis. Wheat yields were also measured. Initial results showed that stored soil moisture was similar among all treatments at time of wheat planting after the first year. In addition, wheat yields did not differ among cover crop and double crop treatments. Initial data indicate that select double crop options may provide an additional income source without affected wheat yields. Soils data are being analyzed at this time.