How it works
Leaving last season's crop residue on the surface after harvest and before and during the next planting provides cover for the soil at critical times of the year. The residue is left on the surface by reducing tillage operations. Pieces of crop residue shield soil particles from rain and wind until crop produce a protective canopy.
Purpose/Benefit
- Helps prevent soil erosion and protects water quality
- Improves soil tilth and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes
- Reduces soil compaction with fewer trips and less tillage
- Saves fuel, labor and time with reduced field operations
- Sequesters carbon in the soil