The practice of direct seeding presents unique opportunities for soil quality enhancement. Some of these are:
Increases organic matter and thereby soil quality.
|
Changes in Organic Matter under Direct Seeding System
|
|
Year
|
Percent Organic Matter
|
|
Direct Seed
|
Conventional
|
|
0
|
4.0
|
4.0
|
|
5
|
4.5
|
4.0
|
|
10
|
5.0
|
4.0
|
Source: Agriculture-Agri-Food, Lethbridge Research Station
Improves seedbed moisture – In direct seeding systems 80-100% of crop residue is left on the soil surface. This residue acts as a sponge for water to soak into the soil surface, thereby improving the soil moisture availability to the germinating crop.
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Location
|
Previous Crop
|
Seedbed Moisture (0-15 cm)
|
|
Zero-till
|
Conventional
|
|
Tisdale, SK
|
Barley
|
5.4
|
4.9
|
|
Vauxhall, AB
|
Wheat
|
4.7
|
4.2
|
|
Lethbridge
|
Wheat
|
6.1
|
4.7
|
|
Rolla, B.C.
|
Barley
|
9.4
|
8.6
|
Improves water infiltration after soil reaches its maximum water holding capacity. Recent research has shown that direct seeding systems have more magapores due to increased earthworm activity and root channels, resulting in better water infiltration to the soil profile.
|
Changes in Water Infiltration Rate under Direct Seeding System
|
|
Year
|
Total infiltration* at I hour
|
|
Zero-till
|
Conventional
|
|
5
|
2.1
|
1.5
|
|
10
|
2.5
|
1.5
|
|
13
|
2.7
|
1.5
|
|
|
|
|
· 3.2 inches of water was applied in 1 hour.
Improves soil structure, tilth and reduces soil compaction.
Reduces erosion potential – crop residues on the soil surface protect the soil against wind and water erosion. Crop residues also hold the soil and associated nutrients (phosphorus) and pesticides, thereby reducing pollutant loads in the runoff and ultimately in surface water.
