Moisture is the single most limiting factor to crop yields. Tillage techniques conserve moisture to increasing crop yields and limits the consequences of drought. Tillage has been the traditional way to prepare seedbeds and control weeds (Sirios 1). To conserve moisture, the kind of tillage and the number of tillage operations affects the amount of moisture remaining following tillage and the ability of the soil surface to attract and store additional moisture (Sirios 1). The greatest moisture loss is usually experienced during the first field trip. However, additional trips result in more extensive drying in that field. Moisture loss from tillage is especially important during dry springs, when the seedbed may dry out and result in poor germination if rainfall does not rewet the seed. Spring tillage should be shallow to limit moisture loss and allow planting in moist soil.

The only sure method to avoid drought-stressed crops is to use irrigation (Sirios 1). Drought conditions are great anxiety procedures, especially if you do not normally irrigate your crops. As painful as it may be, however, the best advice for non-irrigators is often to wait things out during a drought. While some irrigation equipment may be available on an emergency basis from dealers or area irrigators, the permitting process for surface water or groundwater sources can take well over a month (Sirios 1). Running an irrigation system can be a full-time job in itself. Consider irrigation in relation to your type of crops, soil, water availability, time and farm budget (Sirios 1). If you have a sandy soil with lower water-holding capacity, for instance, an irrigation system can make a significant difference in crop yields. You should also consider the possibility of growing higher value crops such as potatoes, sweet corn and beans.

Emergency tillage is a last resort. Emergency tillage provides a roughened, cloddy surface resistant to wind erosion (Sirios 1). Surface roughness reduces the wind velocity at the surface and provides traps to catch the windblown soil particles (Sirios 1). Chisels are the most common tool used to roughen the soil and bring clods to the surface. If erosion persists, a second chiseling operation may be needed. A sufficient area upwind should be tilled not just the area presently blowing. The direction of tillage should always be at a right angle to the wind for maximum protection (Sirios 1).

Bare, unprotected soil is extremely vulnerable to wind erosion. Erosion occurs with strong, turbulent winds blowing across a soil surface that is smooth, loose, dry and finely granulated. Very fine particles are suspended in the air stream and carried long distances. Slightly larger soil particles bounce or roll along soil surface. The most effective wind erosion control measure is to maintain cover on the soil surface throug

Some topics in this essay:
Coping Drought, August Sirios, sirios 1, wind erosion, soil surface, dry land, moisture produce, crop yields, moisture loss, erosion sirios 1, wind erosion sirios, direct seeding, dry land farmers, emergency tillage, conserve moisture,