For example, a dark colored residue produces a warmer seedbed in the spring. The next important component of Dwayne's philosophy is altering the intensity of the rotation. Proper intensity reduces risk. The other side of the coin is that rotations with excessive intensity will be too dry. That means poor plant growth in average years.
Proper intensity depends on weather, soil type, and land location.
If weather tends to be variable, utilize two or more rotations. Soils that have high water holding capacity require more intensity and more high-water use crops. The important thing to remember is that when a producer begins direct seeding the intensity should be greater than that of conventional tillage. More water is stored and greater water-use efficiencies will be attained under a direct seeding system. Therefore the intensity must be increased to avoid undesirable effects from that extra moisture.