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5026198 
Journal Article 
Cover Crops and Returning Residue Impact on Soil Organic Carbon, Bulk Density, Penetration Resistance, Water Retention, Infiltration, and Soybean Yield 
Chalise, KS; Singh, S; Wegner, BR; Kumar, S; Perez-Gutierrez, JD; Osborne, SL; Nleya, T; Guzman, J; Rohila, JaiS 
2019 
Yes 
Agronomy Journal
ISSN: 0002-1962
EISSN: 1435-0645 
111 
99-108 
Residue management with cover crops (CC) can conserve soil moisture and thus has a potential to increase crop yield, but its effectiveness varies significantly by region and cropping system management. A study was conducted at Brookings, SD, on finesilty, mixed, superactive, frigid, Calcic/Pachic Hapludolls soils to understand the impact of CC and crop residue on soil properties and soil-water dynamics for soybean (Glycine max L.) crop grown after corn (Zea mays L.). The site had two crop residue treatments (residue returned [RR] and residue not returned [RNR]) under a no-till corn-soybean rotation. Each residue returned treatment was later subdivided to include CC and no CC (NCC) treatments. Results from this 3 yr (2014, 2015, and 2016) study showed that RR (1.30 Mg m(-3)) had 7% lower bulk density (BD) compared to the RNR (1.40 Mg m(-3)). Soil organic carbon (SOC) was 22% higher under RR (26.2 g kg(-1)) compared to RNR (21.5 g kg(-1)). Soil water infiltration was 66% higher under RR (108 mm h(-1)) compared to RNR (64.8 mm h(-1)). Similarly, soil water infiltration in CC treatment (111 mm h(-1)) was 80% higher compared to NCC (61.7 mm h(-1)). The RR with CC treatment increased soil volumetric water content and soil water storage. Overall, the CC increased soybean yield by 14% compared to NCC. Data from this study suggest that the use of CC with RR are beneficial for improving soil properties, conserving soil moisture and enhancing crop yield. 
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