​Cover Crop Use in Semi-Arid Regions​​

February 2018 | 34 min., 54 sec.
by Katie L. Lewis and Paul DeLaune
Texas Tech University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

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Summary

​By implementing reduced tillage and rye and mixed species (rye, hairy vetch, winter pea, and radish) cover crops, soil organic carbon has increased from 0.2% to 0.4%. This increase has been a slow process taking nearly 20 years in Lamesa, TX, a semi-arid region of the Southern High Plains of Texas. While the benefits of conservation practices to soil have been observed, cotton lint yield has not been consistent from one year to the next. Management practices of cover crops must be regionally focused to maintain cotton lint yields while enhancing the quality of our soil.​

About the Presenter

Katie L. LewisKatie L. Lewis joined TTU in September, 2014. She received her bachelor's degree in Chemistry, cum laude, in May, 2008 from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. Her master's and doctorate degrees, both in Soil Science were obtained from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Katie has a joint appointment with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and teaches Soil Fertility class in the Spring Semester.





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Paul DeLaune Paul DeLaune is an Associate Professor and Environmental Soil Scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Vernon, TX. He obtained his MS and PhD in Agronomy/Soil Science at the University of Arkansas and a BS in Agronomy from Oklahoma State University. Since joining Texas A&M AgriLife Research in 2007, Dr. DeLaune’s research has focused on protecting water resources while maintaining agricultural production goals. Research topics include evaluating tillage and water management strategies in various cropping systems to improve nutrient and water use efficiencies, crop yields, soil health, and subsequent groundwater and surface water quality. Additionally, he has focused on the impact and adaptability of various cool-season and warm-season cover crop monospecies and mixtures on stored soil moisture and nutrient cycling in semi-arid cropping systems. He enjoys working directly with producers to learn of current issues first hand and develop applied research programs to meet critical needs.​​

Contact Information:
Email: katie.lewis@ag.tamu.edu, pbdelaune@ag.tamu.edu

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