Keeping crop residue may help avoid erosion problems

This year’s drought has taken valuable moisture out of area crops, in addition to reducing plant growth and protective cover for the soil. Conservation officials are warning the drought made the soil vulnerable to erosion and tillage will only make conditions worse.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Minnesota reports that if a producer increases surface residue, they can increase infiltration rates.

“When we do get fall rains, there will be more water going into that soil profile,” state agronomist Carissa Spencer said. “Surface residue will reduce erosion. And, by using residue to keep water in the soil, there will be more organic matter in the soil development as well as macro pore development.”

Standing residue is also important for anchoring the soil, Spencer noted. She advises farmers to think into the future about how they’ll keep residue cover on their fields.

Conservation assistance is available through NRCS field offices located in USDA Service Centers across Minnesota. Visit www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/directory/FO.html to find the nearest location.

Tags: minnesota, agriculture