The Texas rolling plains has a highly variable climate; in recent years, heavy precipitation events have been followed by extended hot, dry conditions. Monoculture dryland cropping systems are predominant in this region, particularly wheat and cotton. Studies of cover crops and soil water dynamics have shown that precipitation is generally captured more efficiently in cover crop systems, and with improved soil properties, cover crop systems can decrease surface runoff. Sediment losses have been found greater under conventional systems than conservation systems, and nutrient losses (ammonium, total P, total C) generally correlate with sediment losses. Soluble nutrients (dissolved P and C) can be increased with high-residue systems.
