FP
FC
FP
FC
NT
NT
residue cover of soil surface (%)0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
45
20
35
0
30
25
15
10
5
40
This figure shows that:• surface residue reduces erosion,• reduced tillage (chisel and no-till) leaves more residue and results in less erosion than plowing, and• corn (circled) returns more residue than soybeans.
soil
loss
(ton
s/ac
re)
Figure 16.2. Soil erosion dramatically decreases with increasing surface cover. Note: FP = fall plow, FC = fall chisel, NT = no-till; circles = corn, no circles = soybeans. Modified from Manuring (1979).
Figure 16.7. Roller-crimper creates a weed-suppressing cover-crop mat through which it is possible to plant seeds or transplants. Here cotton is being planted behind rye that has been traveled over by the roller-crimper. Photo by Jeff Mitchell.