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The dynamics of soil water content under different tillage systems was studied throughout the growing period of oat (Avena sativa L.). The treatments included tillage system (zero tillage, minimum tillage, and conventional tillage), residue cover (with and without cover), and crop rotation (continuous cropping and crop rotation). The results indicated that soil water content and crop water use efficiency were improved under zero tillage with cover. When crop stubble was removed, soil water content under zero tillage was reduced, especially in the surface soil layer. Compared to conventional tillage, minimum tillage increased soil water content and its storage, either with cover or without cover. For all the three tillage treatments, soil water content with cover was significantly higher than that of without cover. Furthermore, soil water content and crop water use efficiency under crop rotation was consistently higher than continuous cropping. Therefore, it is concluded that minimum tillage with cover is the optimum management system in this area. At present, however, a combination of crop rotation and minimum tillage is a viable option, since there are not enough crop residues available for cover of land. |
