Seed-row residue management for corn establishment in the northern US Corn Belt

Abstract

In the northern US Corn Belt, plant residue retained on the soil surface increases risk of poor stand establishment and growth of corn ( Zea mays, L.). This limits adoption of no-tillage and other conservation tillage systems which are effective in reducing soil erosion. Field and laboratory research has shown that surface residue reduces soil heat unit accumulation by reducing soil heat flux, and conserves soil water by reducing evaporation rate. Surface residue also hinders planter operation and uniformity of seed placement. Removing excessive or non-uniform plant residue from the seed row increases germination and emergence rate by improving seed depth uniformity and by increasing soil heat unit accumulation. Appropriate use of planter attachments to manage surface plant residue has been shown to improve conditions in the seed zone for reliable corn establishment in the northern US Corn Belt.