No-till can increase earthworm populations and rooting depths

Abstract

Crops grow by opening their stomata, which allow CO2 to enter their leaves, where CO2 and water can be photosynthesized into carbohydrates using the sun's energy. Photosynthesis occurs in the light only if CO2 continues to diffuse from the atmosphere into the interior of the leaves. However, stomata cannot remain open for CO2 diffusion if water is not continually supplied to the stomata to replenish the water these cells lose via transpiration. If the water flux from the soil is limited under drought conditions, stomata initiate closure and crop growth decreases. The soil profile is the critical storage reservoir, which can absorb and hold the rainfall until it is needed by the crop. The amount of rainfall that can be absorbed, stored, and made available for crop use depends on the porosity and texture of the soil and depth to which crop roots penetrate the soil.