So a friend of mine turned me on to this link after visiting a farm that uses the technique. Owner of the farm claims he's never been truly put out by the Kentucky droughts these past few years. Also claims his growing season starts earlier and ends later due to the ground being heated by the wood naturally composting. Had to share.
http://www.richsoil.com/hugelkultur/
http://www.richsoil.com/hugelkultur/