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QSoilAfter rain the field dries out quickly. How can I hold more moisture?
Expert answer
In short: First check whether water soaks in or runs off — look at the soil and roots before adding tillage passes.
First check whether the water soaks in or runs off the surface. Crusting and compacted layers can stop it getting in. Inspect the soil with a spade and see how deep the roots go.
Evenly spread crop residues protect the surface and limit evaporation, and fewer unnecessary passes also help. In the long term, soil structure and organic matter are what matter. If there is a compacted layer, choose the solution based on its depth — extra tillage without a known cause may only increase costs.
Source: FAO (conservation agriculture). Material: Brochure 1, section 7.