Infiltration and Runoff Rates from Wheat Systems with Cover Crops.

Cover crop implementation has received a renewed interest due to the promotion of soil health. The focus of research in semi-arid regions has been on crop performance due to soil water use. Our research has indicated that stored soil water can be enhanced where cover crops have been implemented. The objective of this study was to determine infiltration and runoff rates from monoculture wheat systems. Treatments included: 1) conventional tillage; 2) no-till; 3) no-till with a terminated cover crop; and 4) no-till with a grazed cover crop. The summer cover crop consisted of a multi-species mix that was planted after wheat harvest each year. The grazed treatment was flash grazed prior to termination in late summer. Rainfall simulations were conducted after cover crop termination on October 6 and October 27.  Conventional tillage resulted in the shortest time to runoff and higher runoff rates. No-till with cover crops resulted in the lowest runoff rates. No-till without cover crops had the greatest time to runoff initiation and intermediate runoff volumes.  No-till, with and without cover crops, resulted in greater moisture capture and retention.