Author
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Erbach, Donald |
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Submitted to: Farm Business No Till Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/22/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Plant residue from previous crops, when left on the soil surface, is very effective in reducing soil erosion by both wind and water. Surface plant residue, however, can interfere with planter operation and with stand establishment and early growth of crops, especially corn. Research has shown, and practice has confirmed, that with proper management, plant residue can effectively control erosion while causing little interference with crop production. Clearing of residue from a band, approximately 6 inches wide, over the seed row improves uniformity of seed placement, speeds crop emergence, and maintains crop yields. Several row cleaning attachments are now commercially available and when operated to remove residue with little soil disturbance will greatly improve stand establishment and yield of corn grown with no-till systems. Row cleaning devices produce better results that do rolling coulters alone. Rolling coulters tend to press, or hairpin, residue into the seed furrow. This causes non-uniform germination, emergence, and early growth. If rolling coulters are needed, such as to avoid seed-furrow smearing, they work best if operated after surface residue has been removed. It is recommended that plant residue be removed from the seed row when planting corn. |
