ARS | Publication request: Hydrologic impacts of strip tillage for a Coastal Plain soil

Submitted to: Southern Conservation Tillage Systems Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: May 8, 2008
Publication Date: July 29, 2008
Citation: Bosch, D.D., Potter, T.L., Truman, C.C., Strickland, T.C. 2008. Hydrologic Impacts of Strip Tillage for a Coastal Plain Soil. In: Endale, D.M. editor. Proceedings 30th Southern Agricultural Systems Conference and 8th Annual Georgia Conservation Production System Training Conference, July 29-31, 2008, Tifton, Georgia. p45-46.

Technical Abstract: Strip till is a growing practice among many Coastal Plain cotton growers which can lead to reduced surface runoff and reduced transport of sediment and agrichemicals. This research examines nine years of rainfall-runoff data from a paired conventional till / strip till research site. Annual water gains in the strip till system obtained through enhanced infiltration were offset by increased subsurface losses. Strip till had the greatest benefit in terms of increased water gains during years with the least annual precipitation. These results indicate that strip till systems can potentially increase plant available water through enhanced infiltration during drought conditions.