Cropping system diversity and tillage intensity affects wheat productivity in Texas

Abstract Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) production in Texas depends heavily on conventional tillage (CT) and a long summer fallow period, which contributes to soil degradation. This study compared the impact of reducing intensity (CT, no‐tillage, strip‐tillage) combined with cropping CT–summer wheat establishment, grain production, herbage mass from 2016 2020 three ecoregions (Coastal Plains, Southern High Blackland Prairie). Tillage resulted variable impacts stand yield, across years locations. At Beeville, Coastal yields were not impacted by tillage. Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) less yield 2020. In 1 yr at Lubbock was greater CT than reduced lower cover crop mixture or cowpea Vigna unguiculata Walp.) 2017, but Thrall, Prairie, establishment 2016, whereas 2017 2018, sorghum sesame Sesamum indicum increased 2019 Summer systems rarely had negative all ecoregions.