How can I handle excessive crop residue prior to seeding winter wheat?
Crop residue management begins at harvest. Cut the crop at a height that would provide STP of more than 40. Spread the straw and chaff uniformly. Harrowing before seeding can be an effective way of spreading excess straw; however, harrowing can reduce STP. If a hoe drill is to be used in seeding winter wheat, the straw must be well chopped and spread uniformly. Most no-till drills should be able to seed into stubble left for snow trapping without plugging.
