Cover crop influence on soil water dynamics for a corn–soybean rotation

Crop production is reduced by insufficient and/or excess soil water, which can significantly decrease plant growth and development. Therefore, conservation management practices such as cover crops (CCs) are used to optimize water dynamics, since CCs conserve water. The objective of this study was determine the effects on dynamics a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation at three depths over 3 yr. conducted Chariton County Cover Soil Health Research Demonstration Farm (CCSH) in Missouri. Initial CC establishment occurred 2012. Volumetric content (VWC) monitored 15-min intervals with calibrated Waterscout SM100 moisture sensors (Spectrum Technologies) (10, 20, 30 cm) 2016, 2017, 2018. crop soils maintained numerically higher VWC values compared no (NCC) both 10- 20-cm throughout period where differences were significant some weeks. subsurface recharge greater NCC March 2017. results imply that have levels during vegetative weeks all depths. These findings be promote adoption for better storage develop plans corn–soybean rotations claypan soils.