NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Leaving crop residue standing after harvest or a failed crop can deliver meaningful soil and economic benefits, while shredding or plowing stubble often works against both goals. That’s the message from Dr. Calvin Trostle, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agronomist, who says many producers still underestimate the value of existing residue.
Trostle notes that standing stubble serves as a free “dead cover crop,” protecting soil from wind erosion, improving water capture, and reducing surface crusting without requiring additional moisture or inputs. Shredding residue, by contrast, loosens leaves that are more likely to blow away and typically costs about $10 per acre with no measurable return.
Research and field experience indicate that incorporating residue through tillage has little effect on long-term soil organic matter. Instead, leaving root systems intact under minimal tillage yields the greatest gains in soil health. Even low-biomass crops such as cotton and sunflower can provide erosion protection when left standing.
Trostle encourages producers to focus on planting into residue using adjusted equipment rather than removing valuable ground cover.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Standing crop residue protects soil and saves money — shredding often yields little benefit at a higher cost.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Milk output is rising, but steep drops in Class I–IV prices are tightening margins heading into 2026.
December 04, 2025 07:00 AM
·
Tight cattle supplies continue to drive lower beef output despite heavier weights.
December 04, 2025 05:00 AM
·
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
December 03, 2025 06:52 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
December 03, 2025 02:17 PM
·
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
December 03, 2025 01:52 PM
·
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
December 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
December 03, 2025 12:08 PM
·
The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that new single-fluorinated pesticides are not PFAS and remain fully compliant with current safety standards.
December 03, 2025 11:00 AM
·
December 02, 2025 01:26 PM
