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As crop land decreases and population increases, soil quality is becoming a concern. Utilizing cover crops in cropping systems could improve soil quality. This study examined 16 treatments of single-species cover crops, cover crop mixes, and two control treatments on a silt-loam soil, in a corn ( Zea mays L.) - soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) crop rotation under no-tillage, to determine their effect on soil physical properties. Cover crop biomass differed (p<0.10) among treatments and produced a maximum of 15.6 Mg ha-1 of biomass in the crimson clover treatment. Water infiltration rates increased as much as 282% in the complete-mix treatment compared to the fallow control. Differences in infiltration rates due to cover crop species were shown in two-years. However, these results suggest that it may take more time for cover crops to affect change in bulk density and aggregate stability.
Advisor: | Green, Steve |
Commitee: | Brye, Kris, Massey, Joseph |
School: | Arkansas State University |
Department: | Agriculture |
School Location: | United States -- Arkansas |
Source: | MAI 58/01M(E), Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Plant sciences |
Keywords: | Aggregate stability, Bulk density, Cover crops, Soil physical properties, Water infiltration |
Publication Number: | 10831039 |
ISBN: | 978-0-438-24238-8 |