LAKELAND, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — What farmers leave behind in the field this fall could play an important role in soil health, nutrient availability, and next season’s crop performance.
Fred Nichols, chief sales and marketing officer with Huma, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss how crop residue has shifted from being viewed as waste to a valuable source of nutrients and protection for the soil.
“It’s funny, and we used to call this stuff trash, right?” Nichols said. “And we’ve definitely changed our tune on that, not necessarily because we’re being PC, but because we’re finding it’s a major asset.”
In his interview with RFD News, Nichols said crop residue helps protect soil from erosion while also leaving valuable nutrients in the field.
Corn can leave about five tons of residue per acre, containing an estimated 300 pounds of nutrients, Nichols said. He compared that nutrient value to about 85-21-70 fertilizer and estimated it could represent roughly $150 per acre or more. Soybeans leave about half as much residue, he said.
“The trick, however, of course, is to make these nutrients bioavailable to your crop for next season,” Nichols said.
Higher Yields Create More Residue
Nichols said higher crop yields have increased the amount of residue farmers must manage, particularly with modern corn and soybean production.
“As we continue to move forward with technologies and genetics and management practices, crop yields have increased about 30% or more this century alone,” Nichols said.
Soybean residue can be especially difficult to handle. Some farmers use aftermarket straw choppers, planter attachments or tillage to break down residue, but those approaches can add costs.
“With five sixty or so per gallon for diesel, you’re burning about three-quarters of a gallon of fuel by pulling the disc,” Nichols said.
Soil Microbes Help Break Down Residue
Nichols recommends using soil microbes to help break down crop residue naturally.
“Look to Mother Nature, right? When in doubt, she usually has the answers for us in farming,” Nichols said.
He said soil fungi can help break down crop residue, making it more manageable the following spring while also making nutrients more available to the next crop.
“These soil microbes that we talk about all the time, when they show, they can do much of the work for you,” Nichols said. “We know the fungi. They’re definitely degraders out there. Put them to work for you.”
Fall Practices to Consider
Cover crops and manure can support residue management, Nichols said. He also recommends dry humates, humic acid and carbon-based soil enhancers to help establish soil microbes and activate fungi.
“We love to recommend putting down dry humates or humic acid,” Nichols said. “There’s really no better, faster way to help get these soil microbes established.”
Huma offers a product called Fertil Humus, which Nichols said is designed to help build soil health.
He estimated farmers could invest about $8 to $15 per acre in these products, depending on the application rate.
Nichols said the goal is to improve residue breakdown, increase nutrient availability, and potentially reduce fertilizer costs next season.
LEARN MORE: www.huma.us
