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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #102598
Title: RUNOFF DURING SPRING THAW IN THE NORTHERN U.S. CORN BELT

Author
item Sharratt, Brenton
item BENOIT, GEORGE - RETIRED ARS EMPLOYEE
item YOUNG, ROBERT - RETIRED ARS EMPLOYEE
item Wilts, Alan
item Lindstrom, Michael

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/4/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fall tillage is utilized to expedite soil warming and the planting of seeds during spring in the northern U.S. Corn Belt. Water runoff and erosion, however, frequently occur from these soils during spring thaw. Soil management strategies are therefore needed in the fall that stabilize the soil and minimize runoff and soil loss in the spring. Surface runoff and erosion were assessed during spring thaw on soils subject to removal or retention of surface corn residue prior to moldboard plow or chisel plow in the fall. Runoff during a simulated spring rain was smallest from plots with deeper soil thaw, rougher soil surface, or greater residue cover. Soil loss was minimized on plots with the least runoff. In cold regions where fall tillage is utilized to expedite spring planting, roughening the soil or retaining crop residue on the soil surface can minimize spring runoff and soil loss.