 |
ProCrop |
Moisture Conservation Today is Crop Tomorrow
Snow catch from this years crop stubble could mean extra bushels of wheat in next years crop. Each inch of stubble could mean an additional 1/10, maybe up to 3/10, inch of stored soil moisture. Snow catch that is not wanted in wet years is a valuable resource in dry years. Each additional inch of stored soil moisture is an extra five bushels of wheat. Consider retaining stubble whenever possible. Residue should be left upright as long as possible to maximize soil moisture availability.
Soil moisture can be checked before spring planting. Soil samplers can do this by noting how deep moisture is when soil sampling for nutrient analysis. Also, a device can be made of 1/2 inch steel rod and a 5/8 inch ball bearing. Weld a handle on an end of the shaft and the ball bearing on the other end. This probe will penetrate moist soil but not dry soil. Each foot of wet soil of medium to heavy texture can mean 10 bushels of wheat with normal rainfall and temperatures. Knowing soil moisture refines yield goals and fertility programs. Field moisture is variable due to snow catch. Standing residue 20 inches tall can enough snow to wet soil 18-20 inches.
Back to Drought Menu
Back to Environmental Damage Menu
Back to Main ProCrop Index
