Abstract
Remotely sensed estimates of crop residue cover (fR) are required to assess the extent of conservation tillage over large areas; the impact of decay processes on estimates of residue cover is unknown. Changes in wheat straw composition and spectral reflectance were measured during the decay process and their impact on estimates of fR were assessed. Proportions of cellulose and hemicellulose declined, while lignin increased. Spectral features associated with cellulose diminished during decomposition. Narrow-band spectral residue indices robustly estimated fR, while broad-band indices were inconsistent. Advanced multi-spectral sensors or hyperspectral sensors are required to assess fR reliably over diverse agricultural landscapes.
Highlights
Crop residues or plant litter is the portion of a crop left in the field after harvest
Long-term use of conservation tillage practices that leave crop residues undisturbed following harvest can lead to increased soil organic matter, improved soil structure, and increased aggregation compared with intensively tilled soils [3]
The accumulation of decomposition days at Beltsville was limited by moisture at some times of the year and temperature at others (Figure 1)
Summary
Crop residues or plant litter is the portion of a crop left in the field after harvest. Management of crop residues is an integral part of most conservation tillage systems. Crop residues on the soil surface provide a protective barrier against water and wind erosion and reduce the amount of soil, nutrients, and pesticides that reaches streams and rivers [1,2]. Crop residues contribute to soil organic matter which improves soil quality and sequesters carbon. Long-term use of conservation tillage practices that leave crop residues undisturbed following harvest can lead to increased soil organic matter, improved soil structure, and increased aggregation compared with intensively tilled soils [3]. The overall result is less soil erosion and improved soil and water quality. Soil tillage and crop residue harvesting for feed, fiber, or bio-energy are management practices that reduce crop residue mass and cover
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