Humus and soil water retention
Humus is organic material degraded to a stable state, rich in organic components. Soils rich in humus have a better ability to store water. Due to its high retention capacity, humus can absorb and store a significant amount of rainwater. This is especially beneficial during periods of drought, as soils with a large amount of humus can provide water to plants for an extended period. Every 0.5% of humus content allows for the storage of an additional 80 m3/ha of water, corresponding to 8 mm of rainfall. Building humus involves regular supply of organic matter to the soil and liming. Mulching can be used to retain water in the ground by limiting its surface runoff. This involves leaving crop and plant residues on the soil surface and its top layer. Mulch, a layer of organic material (e.g., straw) spread on the soil surface, offers many benefits, including preventing soil erosion by limiting the impact of rain and wind on the ground surface, reducing water evaporation by maintaining soil moisture, regulating soil temperature to protect plants from extreme temperatures, and preventing weed growth by shading the soil surface. However, while mulch limits water runoff and evaporation, it also prolongs the time it takes for the ground to warm up, impacting the sowing and emergence of spring species and exposing long-germinating seeds to potential fungal attacks. Generally, mulch is considered one of the best ways to prevent water and wind erosion of the soil.

Cultivation and soil water retention In general, increased cultivation frequency hinders soil water retention. Ploughing is the most impactful in this regard, with each instance resulting in a 6 mm/m² water loss, exacerbated by evaporation from freshly turned soil. Therefore, ploughing should only be done using a compacting roller, such as a double Campbell type or a Campbell + Crosskill combination, to additionally crumble the soil. Cultivation is necessary for water penetration into the deeper soil layers, but if using a subsoiler without recompacting, water loss effects are similar to ploughing. Hence, soil should be compacted to the same depth as the cultivation. With a subsoiler, this is challenging, and it is crucial to close the gaps it creates. Notably, subsoiling is better done on dry soil rather than wet, as wet soil can become smudged and form impenetrable compactions. Crop cultivation significantly impacts water retention, with appropriate tillage practices aiding in rainwater retention, benefiting water balance and preventing soil erosion. Such methods include no-plough, ultra-shallow no-plough, and Strip-Till.

Ultra-shallow soil cultivation, yet even better water retention
Ultra-shallow soil cultivation significantly enhances water retention in soil. This innovative technique, involving minimal soil processing depth, enables effective rainfall retention. Consequently, the soil functions as a natural "sponge," absorbing and storing water for plant use. This method not only prevents soil erosion but also maintains appropriate moisture levels, promoting healthier plants and higher yields. Hence, ultra-shallow cultivation is crucial for sustainable water resource management in agriculture. Rolmako offers a comprehensive range of machines for ultra-shallow soil cultivation, including knife rollers, mulch, rotary and disc harrows, and cultivator combinations with mulch harrows.

No-plough farming aids in managing water resources
No-plough farming is an agricultural technique that significantly contributes to water retention in the soil. Unlike traditional tillage, which exposes the soil to erosion and drying, no-plough farming preserves the soil structure and the organic layer on its surface. This allows for better rainwater absorption and prolonged moisture retention. This practice not only protects the soil from erosion but also creates optimal conditions for healthy plant growth. Consequently, no-plough farming is a crucial tool in sustainable agriculture, aiding in the optimal management of water resources and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural production.

Maintaining optimal moisture levels and Strip-Till cultivation
Strip-till is a farming system that focuses on retaining water in the soil. This method involves cultivating narrow strips of soil while leaving the rest of the field in its natural state or covering it with organic materials. This approach allows for efficient water storage because it preserves soil structure and plant cover. This enables rainfall to be effectively absorbed and retained in the cultivated areas, helping to maintain adequate moisture levels in the soil. Strip-till is a sustainable agricultural practice that supports water management, minimizes soil erosion, and contributes to high yields.

Summary
Water storage in soil and its proper management are essential for sustainable agricultural production and environmental protection. It is important to adapt cultivation practices to the specific soil and climatic conditions of a given region.