Capture and retain soil water to lift crop yields

摘要

The amount of water stored in a soil depends on its inherent ability to hold water, the ease with which water can enter the soil and the protection of stored water from evaporation and other losses. In this second article of the series on soil water,the factors influencing soil water infiltration and storage are explained. Getting water into the soil and keeping it there is critical to dryland crop production in Australia. Soil water entry is influenced by several factors including soil type and rainfall intensity, tillage system, stubble cover and physical and chemical constraints such as surface sealing and compaction.