ARS | Publication request: CROP AND TILLAGE EFFECTS ON RESIDUE COVER IN EASTERN WASHINGTON

Submitted to: Transactions of the ASAE
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2001
Publication Date: December 30, 2001
Citation: Mccool, D.K., Young, F.L., Papendick, R.I. 2001. Crop and tillage effects on residue cover in eastern washington. Transactions of the ASAE.

Interpretive Summary: Surface residue is important in controlling both wind and water erosion, and knowing the quantity of residue remaining on the soil surface after a given tillage operation is important in farm planning to control erosion to acceptable levels. A two-year photographic study of surface residue remaining after specific tillage operations was conducted near Pullman, WA. .Implements ranging from a moldboard plow to a no-till drill were included. Results are being used by the NRCS on 4 million ha of cropland in the rain- fed Pacific Northwest in farm planning activities to control erosion and improve air and water quality.

Technical Abstract: Surface Residue is one of the primary agents used in controlling both wind and water erosion. Residue is especially important in controlling water erosion in areas where slopes are steep and irregular and terraces and other mechanical practices are not well suited. Much of the 4 million ha of rain-fed cropland of the Pacific Northwest have these characteristics. Here, proper residue management is essential to control water erosion. A photographic study of surface residue remaining after specific tillage operations, as well as over-winter disappearance, was initiated. Implements ranging from a moldboard to a no-till drill were studied. The results have been used in improving crop management factor evaluations for the RUSLE and are being used by the NRCS in meeting farm planning requirements.