Corn–Soybean Rotation Effects on Soil Water Depletion

The positive yield effect of crop rotation may be linked to enhanced water uptake and associated efficient use. We hypothesized that a crop grown in rotation might deplete soil water more than the same crop grown under monoculture because some negative factor associated with monoculture was alleviated. Water use efficiency (WUE) might also be improved by rotation. The objective of our study was to determine whether altered water uptake or altered WUE was associated with the yield increase observed when corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are rotated. A long-term corn-soybean rotation experiment was monitored in 1987 and 1988 to determine seasonal soil water status to 1.50 m [...]