A Balanced Approach
Crop residue refers to the plant material - such as corn stover or wheat straw- that is not part of the primary harvest of corn or wheat grains. Although it may have less immediate commercial value than the crop, residue material contains nutrients that, when incorporated back into the soil ensures its viability and vitality. For example, no-till farming may rely on the removal of specific amounts of residue in order to achieve goals of carbon sequestration and soil condition.
Removing residue from a field sounds straightforward, but doing so incorrectly year after year can have a longer term, negative effect on soil health. A responsible residue management approach balances what is removed with what should remain, providing the ingredients of future crops and of the stewardship that is necessary year in and year out. At PowerStock, we practice sustainable harvest residue removal practices.
Best Practices
PowerStock’s removal of crop residue is regularly conducted in close cooperation with grower soil management requirements. It is an essential part of a cultivation plan that is conducted field by field. As residue removal receives increasing scrutiny for sustainability, we are well prepared to be a pro-active participant in best practices requirements.
