Crop- and weather-dependent yield and wind erosion benefits from a conservation practices system

Abstract

Wind erosion and variable weather challenge crop production in the northern Great Plains. Management that increases residue cover might mitigate wind erosion during the cash crop growing season. We evaluated horizontal sediment flux (modified Wilson and Cooke samplers) and cash crop yield across a single rotation of corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)–spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in paired fields with contrasting management. One field included cover crops and retained spring wheat straw (aspirational), while the other excluded both conservation practices over the 3-year rotation (business-as-usual). Horizontal sediment flux rapidly decreased with days after cash crop planting (increasing crop canopy), regardless of management treatment. In 2 years (2020 corn and 2022 spring wheat), there was greater horizontal sediment flux, lower cash crop grain yield, and lower cash crop aboveground biomass in the aspirational versus business-as-usual field. In 2021 soybean, there was lower horizontal sediment flux, greater cash crop yield, and greater cash crop aboveground biomass in the aspirational versus business-as-usual field. Higher yield and lower horizontal sediment flux responses corresponded with the management treatment that produced the higher cash crop aboveground biomass. Additionally, our short-term study indicated that in drought years, cover crops worsened the adverse effects of abnormally low precipitation on yield and biomass of 2020 corn but not 2021 soybean.