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Moisture Conservation by Surface or Subsurface Barriers and Soil Configuration under Semiarid Conditions¹

ABSTRACT

Conservation of moisture under field conditions using black, polyethylene film and soil ridging was studied during a 2-year period. Corn, in 42-inch rows, was used as an indicator crop. Results show a minor surface ridge, 90% film-covered, to be effective in conserving moisture and increasing yield and water use efficiency. Results also indicate that ridges without covering may conserve moisture. Subsurface barriers were not effective in moisture conservation or in increasing yields under the conditions studied. Good performance of the covered surface ridges is attributed to increased soil temperature in the spring, better utilization of light rains and suppression of evaporation losses. Supplementary laboratory studies of covered surface ridges substantiated the reasons given for improved moisture conservation.

¹ Contribution from the Northern Plains Branch, Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA. Presented before Div. VI, Soil Science Society of America, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y., Aug. 21, 1962.

² Soil Scientists, USDA, Northern Great Plains Field Station, Mandan, N. Dak., and Soil Scientist, Boise, Idaho, respectively.

Received for publication September 27, 1962. Accepted for publication December 26, 1962.