The impact of no‐till crop rotation on dryland soil properties and crop yields

Abstract Information on the effect of no‐till crop rotation on a broad range of soil properties and long‐term crop yields is needed to evaluate its benefits on ecosystem services compared with monocropping. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of no‐till crop rotation (barley [Hordeum vulgare L.]/spring wheat [Triticum aestivum L.]–pea [Pisum sativum L.]) and monocropping [continuous barley/spring wheat] on 66 dryland soil physical, chemical, biological, and biochemical properties and long‐term crop yields at two dryland farm sites (14‐ and 36‐yr old) in the northern Great Plains. Soil samples collected to a depth of 15 cm in April 2019 were analyzed for soil properties and crop yields determined. At the long‐term site, crop rotation increased 11 properties, but reduced 16 of 66 soil properties compared with monocropping. At the short‐time site, crop rotation increased 6 properties, but reduced 13 of 66 soil properties compared with monocropping. Longer duration experiments showed more differences in soil properties due to crop rotation than shorter duration experiments. Spring wheat and barley yields were greater following pea than following spring wheat or barley during years with normal or above‐average precipitation at both sites. Pea yield in the crop rotation was also greater during these years. Barley/spring wheat–pea rotation can enhance some soil properties and dryland crop yields compared with continuous barley/spring wheat during wet years in the semiarid region of the northern Great Plains.