Long-term impact of cover crop and reduced disturbance tillage on soil pore size distribution and soil water storage

Abstract. We studied the long-term impact of contrasting tillage and cover cropping systems on soil structure hydraulic properties. Complete water retention conductivity curves for top (0–5 cm) subsurface (20–25 soils were characterized contrasted. Dynamic storage evaluated using numerical simulations in HYDRUS-2D software. Compared with standard-till (ST) no-cover-crop (NO) systems, under no-till (NT) (CC) showed improved terms pore size distribution (PSD). Changes (K) these led to an increased infiltration rate retention. However, NT CC plots had lower content at field capacity (33 kPa suction) plant-available (PAW) compared ST NO plots. Numerical simulations, however, that have higher (albeit marginal magnitude) availability following irrigation. Because considered functions simultaneously dynamically through time, they allow capture states are arguably more relevant crops. The study concludes practices beneficial changes PSD. also marginally plot scale.