Influence of Cover CROP and Tillage Management on Soil Hydraulic Properties.

Understanding water movement in the soil is an important factor that determines crop productivity and soil loss. Cover crop and tillage management can influence soil hydraulic properties within the vadoze zone. This study was conducted at Lincoln University’s Freeman Farm on an alluvial soil to evaluate the influence of cover crop and tillage management on soil hydraulic properties. These properties included saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil water retention and pore size distribution. The field site included three replicate blocks in a randomized block design with each plot measuring 12.2 x 21.3 m. The two treatment factors included cover crop at two levels [cereal rye (Secale cereale) cover crop vs. no cover crop] and tillage at two levels (moldboard plow tillage vs. no till). Crop management included continuous corn (Zea mays).  Soil samples were collected during the 2014 growing season from each treatment in 10 cm depth increments from the soil surface to a depth of 40 cm using 76.2 mm diameter x 76.2 mm long cores. Constant head and falling head methods were used to measure the saturated hydraulic conductivity. Water retention was measured by applying various matric potentials, from saturation to wilting point. We found that tillage significantly affected saturated hydraulic conductivity but that cover crop management did not affect this property.  Although no-till management is beneficial for reduction in soil loss, this treatment slightly reduced hydraulic conductivity.