Cover Crop Impact on Soil and Water Properties Under Cotton Systems.

Cover crop benefits on soil health are phenomenal. However, in the semi-arid regions where rainfall is unreliable, exacerbated by high evapotranspiration rates, water quality and use efficiency remains a major cause for concern. 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 cotton systems. Treatments included: 1) no-till; 2) conventional till; and no-till with following cover crops 3) hairy vetch; 4) mixed species; 5) Austrian winter field pea; and 6) wheat. The cover crops were planted and chemically terminated in spring every year prior to cotton seeding. Rainfall simulations were conducted after cover crop termination and a second run two weeks later. Conventional tillage and no-till resulted in the shortest time to runoff and higher runoff rates compared to cover crop treatments. Cover crop treatments, resulted in greater moisture capture and retention. Water quality tests for total solids, nutrients and soluble organic carbon are in process.