Residue management demonstration and evaluation
1992
Brown, L.C. | Wood, R.K. | Smith, J.M.
A post-harvest demonstration project was established to evaluate surface-residue cover reductions by tillage operations in corn and soybean residue. Thirty combinations of primary and secondary tillage were demonstrated in soybean residue, and 18 combinations were demonstrated in corn residue. The project was designed to provide a visual awareness of different levels of surface-residue cover and an appreciation for the impact of tillage operations on remaining cover. Surface cover percentages were estimated four times on each plot using the line-transect method. All but one of the tillage treatments in soybean residue reduced surface cover below 30%, an acceptable level for erosion control in compliance with federal conservation measures. Tillage in corn residue resulted in more options to retain appropriate surface cover. The field estimates of the percentage of surface-residue cover remaining were compared to published values. The results indicate that site specific conditions may produce results that vary considerably from published values of surface-residue cover. This implies that farmers should not rely solely on published percent residue remaining values to make a final decision about a tillage operation. While published values may help in planning field operations, the actual reduction in cover should be determined with a test strip in actual field conditions prior to the field operation.
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