Can soil carbon be improved by crop residue?
Crop residue plays a significant part in improving soil carbon, in addition to the root system. The most significant benefits of increasing soil carbon are the improvement of soil tilth and soil structure, with surface structure becoming more stable and less prone to crusting and erosion. Water infiltration is another soil quality indicator that could improve (less surface runoff), as the soil-holding capacity for water and nutrients increases significantly. What is the level of residue cover for a conservation system? Generally, for an effective soil conservation plan, the recommendation for Iowa soils is to leave no less than 30 percent residue cover on the soil’s surface at planting. Therefore, any removal of corn residue should be limited to satisfy this recommendation or requirement to meet the conservation system target. In conclusion, crop residue is a valuable source for soil sustainability and the environment. Any decision for manipulating the level of residue needs to be cons
