Residues

Crop residues are the foliage, stubble and straw left on the soil by crops both before and after harvest. These residues absorb the destructive energy of raindrops and wind and decrease the amount of surface runoff, thus reducing erosion. While residues are most effective when left on the surface, they can also be worked into the soil. Residue cover as low as 30-40% can still significantly reduce soil erosion.

Examples of residue cover levels for corn and soybeans can be seen by clicking on the respective crop names in this sentence. The photographs of corn and soybean residue levels here are taken from the Purdue University Agronomy Guide AY-269, "Estimating Corn and Soybean Residue Cover", by P.R. Hill, J.V. Mannering, and J.R. Wilcox, May, 1989.

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