Rainfall interception by different amounts of corn (Zea Mays), soybean (Glycine Max L.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue was studied under simulated rainfall. Given the same amount of residue mass, winter wheat residue intercepts significantly more rainfall than corn and soybean residue. Statistically, corn and soybean residues intercept the same amount of rainfall. Age of the residues had no impact on the amount of rainfall intercepted by the residues. Mathematical relationships were derived for estimating rainfall interception rates for different types and amounts of residue. The findings were incorporated into the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) computer model to improve soil water balance predictions. The model was tested using a 50-year simulation of the impact of rainfall interception by plant residues on the soil water balance of a no-till farm under corn-soybean rotation near Champaign, Illinois. The results of WEPP model simulations indicate that rainfall interception by crop residues reduces the average annual storm runoff by 13% and average daily root zone soil water content by 9% on a Midwest farm under corn-soybean rotation.
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