Soil Erosion Estimates In Conventional and
Conservation Tillage Systems Using Rusle2. (5607)
Authors:
V. Jakkula* - Alabama A&M University E.Z. Nyakatawa - Alabama A&M University K.C. Reddy - Alabama A&M University
Abstract:
Degradation of cropland soils is a serious issue with adverse impacts on global food security and environment quality. Large areas of eroded and degraded soils exist in the southeast U.S.A. because of poor row crop production practices and intensive tillage practices. The objectives of this study, which was conducted at Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Belle Mina, AL from 2003 to 2004 were to evaluate the effects of tillage systems (no-till, mulch-till, conventional till);
cropping systems (cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.)-winter rye (Secale cereale L.) and cotton-winter fallow); and nitrogen sources (poultry litter, ammonium nitrate) on soil erosion estimates using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE 2.0) computer model. Percent surface residue cover in no-till (94%) and mulch-till
(65%) was significantly higher than that under conventional tillage system (30%).
C-factor and soil erosion estimates in conventional till plots without cover crop were 0.2025 and 11.6 Mg ha -1 yr -1 . No-till with cover crop had the lowest C-factor (0.008) and soil erosion estimates of 0.58 Mg ha -1 yr -1 . The results of this study shows that no-till system with winter rye cover crop reduces soil erosion in addition to improving the cotton growth parameters and lint yield compared to conventional tillage system.
Speaker Information: Vinod Jakkula, Alabama A&M University, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Carver complex South, Room # 215, Normal, AL 35762; Phone:
256-372-4238; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Wednesday, November 3, 2004, 1:25 PM-2:45 PM Presentation Start: 2:30 PM
Keywords: Soil Erosion; Rusle2; Cotton; Tillage
