How do conservation tillage practices aid water conservation efforts?
Conservation or reduced tillage refers to the practice of utilizing tillage methods and equipment that strive to retain crop residue that provides a minimum of 30% soil surface coverage at all times, which includes both during crop growing periods and periods when agricultural land is idle (such as during fallow periods). Conservation tillage can enhance water conservation by: 1) reducing runoff, 2) increasing surface moisture detention by means of snow trapping and wind reduction, 3) reducing evaporation by providing shade and protection from wind. Conservation tillage and the resulting changes in soil physical properties often lead to increased infiltration rates, which can be a be a benefit to irrigated soils with low and medium intake rates. Conservation tillage, in conjunction with monitoring soil moisture particularly in the spring after sufficient winter precipitation, may allow irrigators to delay or eliminate one to two irrigation applications during the irrigation season.
