Strategies to Improve Soil Condition in Semi-Arid Cropping Systems.

Water is often the limiting factor in semi-arid cropping systems. Irrigation is typically important in such environments and could potentially mask the true condition of the soil. The Rolling Plains of Texas has been under exceptional drought conditions for much of the last four years. In addition, declining water availability in West Texas does not bode well for continued fully irrigated cropping systems. Hence, soil condition is paramount to future production and livelihoods. Monoculture continuous cropping systems are the norm in these regions along with conventional tillage. Somewhat surprisingly, little to no changes in soil organic carbon levels have been observed in evaluated Texas cropping systems under long term (8-15 yr) no-till conditions, even with terminated cover crops. We will discuss the impact of crop rotation, conservation tillage, and cover crops on soil organic C and soil health in semi-arid cropping systems of Texas.