Tillage and Cover Crop Systems Alter Soil Particle Size Distribution in Raised-Bed-and-Furrow Row-Crop Agroecosystems

Summary

This three-year field trial in Mississippi evaluated how no-tillage combined with cover crops affects soil textural properties in a raised-bed-and-furrow maize–soybean rotation on silt loam soil. The no-tillage plus cover crop system retained substantially more coarse sand (62% more) and fine sand (39% more) than conventional tillage alternatives, whilst also increasing volumetric water content by up to 47% in furrows and 20% in beds. The findings suggest that conservation management practices may reduce off-site sand transport and improve water retention, potentially supporting soil fertility and long-term sustainability in row-crop agroecosystems.

Regional applicability

The findings are partially relevant to UK arable systems, particularly in regions with silt loam soils, though direct application may vary owing to differences in climate, rainfall intensity, and soil type distributions. UK practitioners managing row crops or considering conservation tillage adoption may benefit from the demonstrated water retention effects, though the study's focus on raised-bed furrow systems is less common in mainstream UK practice.

Key measures

Soil particle size distribution (coarse sand %, fine sand %); volumetric water content (%); furrow vs. bed location comparisons

Outcomes reported

The study measured soil particle size distribution (coarse sand, fine sand) and volumetric water content across four management systems in a raised-bed-and-furrow maize–soybean rotation over three years. Key outcomes included retention of sand fractions and changes in soil water-holding capacity under conservation versus conventional tillage practices.

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