Soil and Water Management

Many of the cultural practices used in crop production have huge effects on the soil, its structure and its biological life. Corrective crop management practices have focused primarily on the obvious above-ground symptoms and problems.

Research, however, has discovered that what appear to be subtle differences below the soil surface may have profound effects on productivity and sustainability.

Producers must manage their tillage systems, crops and residues to build healthier soils with improved structure to better manage water resources.

Improving soil structure and biological activity while maintaining residue cover will reduce runoff, erosion, evaporative losses and the related environmental impacts.

• Tillage Concepts
• Soil Structure
• Soil Biological Life
• Residue Management
• Water Conservation

Information presented within the soil & water management section of this Water Web site has been reviewed by University of Nebraska - Lincoln Cropping Systems Team members Richard Ferguson, Paul Jasa and Jim Schneider.