Field Crop Production - Understanding the Basics

Table of Contents

1. Soil Management
2. Residue Management
3. Available in Published Version of Field Crop Production

Soil Management

The goal of every farmer is to have healthy, productive soils that have:

• Consistently high yields
• Minimal erosion by wind or water, and
• Minimal losses of nutrients or pesticides.

On the surface:

• Soil is covered with crop residue to protect it from wind and water erosion. The residue also slows moisture loss during the growing season
• Water moves into soil soon after a rainfall and will not pond on the surface.

Below the surface:

• The soil favours root growth by having a proper mix of large and small pores
• Organic matter helps hold moisture
• The soil has sufficient fertility
• Organic matter and soil life (bacteria, fungi, earthworms, insects, etc.) help to cycle nutrients.

Let's take a closer look at the make-up of soil.
A shovel full has four parts:

• Mineral material
• Air
• Water
• Organic matter.

Figure 1. Components of a well-structured loam soil.

Text Equivalent

Soil Suitability

When deciding what tillage system is best, you should consider the type of soil on your farm. Suitability depends on soil texture and drainage characteristics.

The table (below) offers general guidelines for soil suitability for various tillage systems. If your soil structure is not average, then results for the tillage system may vary.

Crop residue is beginning to be recognized as a resource rather than a nuisance. Residue is an important source of organic matter. If it is left on the soil surface or worked into the top few inches of the soil, organic matter levels can be maintained or increased. This helps improve soil structure and leaves the soil more manageable.

Residue management is an important part of farming operations. In the past few years, farmers, researchers, and extension personnel have come to recognize that careful management of residue is the most cost-effective means we have of reducing erosion.

Figure 2. An even stand of soybeans emerging through wheat residue.

Residue

• Protects the soil surface from the impact of rain
• Reduces soil erosion
• Reduces soil crusting and sealing
• Adds organic matter to soil
• Helps rain to soak into the soil
• Reduces the loss of soil water to the air.
  
  

  Estimated Straw to Grain Ratios for Selected Crops

  Crop	Straw : Grain
  Barley	1.5:1
  Corn	1.0:1
  Oats	2.0:1
  Rye	1.5:1
  Winter Wheat	1.7:1
  Spring Wheat	1.3:1

Crop Yields and Residue

All crops yield differently and supply various amounts of residue. Generally, higher-yielding crops produce more residue. Remember this when planning a residue management program for your farm.

The table (on the right) shows the estimated straw to grain ratios for selected crops. For example, if a winter wheat crop yields 70 bushels/acre, there would be about 70 bu/ac X 60 lbs/Bu X 1.7 or 7140 pounds/acre (8,000 kg/ha) of residue. Of course, this number is an estimate and will vary with hybrid/variety, weather and the amount of straw removed at harvest.

Best Management Practices for Residue Management

• Spread residue evenly behind the combine to eliminate windrows.
• Know the amount of residue you will be dealing with by checking crop selection and tillage system.
• Choose residue levels that will reduce soil erosion.
• Use tillage equipment matched to your soil type, the amount of residue and farming needs.
• Modify planting equipment to handle residue left on the soil surface.
• Residue left on the soil surface or worked into the soil will maintain or increase organic matter.

Available in Published Version of Field Crop Production

Soil Management

• Soil Texture
• Soil structure - Drainage, Soil Compaction
• The Effects of Loss of Soil Organic Matter - Chart
• Soil Suitability - Soil Moisture, Texture, Protection from Erosion

Residue Management

• Good Residue Management Starts with Harvest
• Residue Management Options in Reduced Tillage
• Erosion and Residue Management
• Residue Cover and Soil Loss Reduction for Various Tillage Systems - Chart

Best Management Practices: Field Crop Production