A recent study by USDA scientists in Tifton, GA shows that strip tillage and cover crops are important practices for reducing erosion from sandy soils in the Southeastern United States and for enhancing soil quality. For example, use of cover crops mean crop residues remain on the surface, providing protection from water and wind erosion.
The researchers also used rye as a winter cover crop to protect the soil, increase organic matter and hold nutrients remaining from previous cropping seasons that otherwise might leach away. This is particularly important as the percent of rain from high-intensity rainfall events which can lead to excessive erosion is increasing over time due to changing climate.