Crop residue removal and soil erosion by wind

Crop residue, particularly corn (Zea mays L.) residue, is often grazed by livestock or baled as animal feed or bioenergy feedstock. These practices are expected to increase to meet the increasing demands for forage and feedstock. Under irrigated, high-yield conditions, corn residue can pose some management challenges under no-till management. These can include slow soil warming in spring, delayed planting due to reduced soil drying, interference with planter operations, poor soil-seed contact, and increased pests and diseases. A strategy to address these challenges is the removal of corn residue.