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
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
March 17, 2026 02:33 PM
·
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses how tensions in the Middle East are impacting producer’s spring planting decisions.
March 17, 2026 02:13 PM
·
Farm Legal expert Roger McEowen discusses new dicamba regulations, compliance requirements for growers, and the evolving outlook for herbicide use.
March 17, 2026 01:52 PM
·
Land values remain key to borrowing strength.
March 17, 2026 01:23 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and the potential impact on agriculture as farmers navigate ongoing global uncertainty.
March 17, 2026 12:53 PM
·
Held each year in Mercedes, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show remains a cornerstone event for the region — blending education, competition, and community, even during challenging times for agriculture.
March 17, 2026 12:13 PM
·
