In situ water infiltration: Influence of cover crops after growth termination

Cover crops (CCs) are known to influence water infiltration just prior termination, but their effects on over time less known. This study investigated the of CCs in situ CC termination (during April) and again 2 mo after June). The multi-species mixture used included hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum peas (Lathyrus hirsutus oats (Avena sativa triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.), barley (Hordeum vulgare flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). Infiltration rates were measured using double-ring infiltrometers during April June. physically based Parlange Green-Ampt models fitted data. Cumulative was 52% higher 68% June under compared with no cover crop (NC) management. During April, model–estimated saturated hydraulic conductivity parameter (Kdr) 245% NC same sample period, Green-Ampt–estimated Kdr 383% sorptivity lower antecedent content management both measurement periods suggest that can significantly improve into soil, this effect last for up termination.