Impact of Crop Management and Conservation Practices on Soil Erosion and Strength.

The structure of plant roots alters the physical structure of the soil. Conservation tillage practices and cover crops can be used to improve the soil structure and reduce soil loss through erosion. Here, we measured the impact of conventional crop plants (corn, sorghum, soybeans and wheat) on soil strength. We also explored how cover crops with different rooting structures impact soil strength and surface erosion.