Overwinter Soil Temperature Patterns Under Six Tillage-Residue Combinations

ABSTRACT The effect on soil temperature of three tillage systems (fall plow, fall chisel, and no-till), each with and without corn residue were studied over three winters (1984-85, 1985-86 and 1986-87). Temperature measurements were taken on an hourly basis at soil depths of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.30 m during 1984-85 and 1985-86 and at 0.05, 0.15, and 0.30 m during 1986-87. During winter months, soil temperatures were found to be a function of residue level and snow cover with highest temperatures being found in the no-till residue treatment. Little difference was found between temperature in fall plow and fall chisel plots, both of which had lower temperatures than found in the no till plots. Little difference in temperature was noted among treatments during a winter of little snowfall, indicating that treatment effects on snow accumulation influence soil temperature more than either tillage or residue level alone. The no-till residue treatment became frost-free in the spring 10 to 30 days before other treatments and tended to have slightly higher temperatures until just before spring com planting the first week in May..