Adaptation Of Cover Crops In The Texas Rolling Plains.

Cover crops have been shown as a proven technology that can improve numerous soil parameters. One region that warrants demonstration of cover crops to further adoption is the semi-arid Texas Rolling Plains.  As water is often the most limiting factor in crop production within semi-arid environments, practices that are perceived to reduce the capability of soils to capture rainfall will hinder adoption.  The objective of this research is to demonstrate, contrast, and quantify the impact of cover crops in no-till cotton and wheat cropping systems on soil chemical and physical properties, soil moisture, crop growth, and water quality. The dryland system consists of seven treatments: 1) conventional tillage without a cover crop; 2) no-till without a cover crop; and no-till with cover crops consisting of 3) crimson clover; 4) Austrian winter field pea; 5) hairy vetch; 6) wheat, and 7) legume/grass mixture. The irrigated system consists of four treatments: 1) conventional tillage without a cover crop; 2) no-till without a cover crop; 3) no-tillage with a wheat cover crop; and 4) no-till with a legume/grass cover crop mixture. Neutron probes were inserted into each plot and soil moisture was evaluated bi-weekly throughout the year.  Cover crops were chemically terminated prior to planting.  Clipping were taken to determine cover crop biomass and C:N ratios and subsequent cotton yields were monitored. Cover crop performance for two growing seasons and subsequent effects on soil moisture and lint yields will be discussed. Initial impact of warm-season cover crops on soil moisture within wheat cropping systems will also be discussed.