Runoff, erosion, and soil quality characteristics of a former Conservation Reserve Program site

Authors

John E. Gilley, USDA and University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
John W. Doran, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Douglas Karlen, USDA-ARSFollow
T. C. Kaspar, USDA-ARSFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1997

Citation

J. Soil and Water Cons. 52(3): 189-193

Comments

US government work.

Abstract

No-till and moldboard plow tillage systems were established on a former Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) site in southwest Iowa. Runoff rates from simulated rainfall events were significantly greater on sites returned to crop production than from adjoining, undisturbed CRP areas. Substantial soil loss was measured from the moldboard plow treatments, but no significant differences in erosion rates were found between the undisturbed CRP and no-till management systems. No-till management maintained levels of soil quality similar to those of CRP by preserving soil structural integrity and reducing losses of soil organic matter (SOM) associated with tillage. Conservation tillage systems which maintain residue materials on the soil surface may be well suited for former CRP areas which are used as cropland.