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Effect of Tillage and Chemical Weed Control Practices on Soil Moisture Losses during the Fallow Period
Author(s) -
Army T. J.,
Wiese A. F.,
Hanks R. J.
Publication year - 1961
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1961.03615995002500050030x
Subject(s) - mulch , agronomy , tillage , environmental science , water content , moisture , weed control , weed , chemistry , biology , geology , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry
Maintaining surface residues with stubble‐mulch tillage or chemical weed control significantly improved moisture conditions in the seed zone and markedly reduced surface crusting. Field and laboratory studies showed the drying rate of the 0‐ to ½‐inch portion of the soil profile was greatly reduced by plant residues on the soil surface. However, under field conditions soil moisture content below 2 inches was not materially increased by surface residues. The value of surface residues to increase moisture storage during the fallow period is discussed.