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.

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 throughout the year (Sirios 1). Land is most susceptible to wind erosion in the fall following harvest, over winter while the ground is frozen, and in the spring until seeded crops provide protective cover. Usually, wind erosion is the most serious in the spring because freeze-thaw particles detach from the dirt clods. Direct seeding of the next year’s crop into the previous year’s residue is an excellent way of maintaining cover on the land (Sirios 1). This will usually keep enough cover on the surface to prevent excessive erosion. Direct seeding is a way to save as much moisture as possible, complete tillage for weed control, warm the soil surface and place the seed in direct contact with moist soil (Siri

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,