Cover CROP and Tilage Management Influences on in SITU FIELD Infiltration.

Water is usually the most limiting factor in agricultural grain crop production. Various agricultural management practices such as cover crops and tillage have the potential to influence water infiltration into soil. This study was conducted on an alluvial soil at Lincoln University’s Freeman Farm to evaluate the influence of cover crop and tillage management on in situ field infiltration. 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).  Infiltration rates were measured using ponded infiltration during the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. Measurements were also taken from perennial grass areas adjacent to the plots for comparison purposes only. Water infiltration parameters were estimated using the Green-Ampt and Parlange infiltration equations. Cover crop management did not significantly enhance the infiltration rate compared with no cover crops. Compared with the cover crop treatments, the well-established roots of the perennial grass improved infiltration. Cover crop management can improve soil quality which enhances the sustainability of crop production systems.