Residue Management POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Nutrients and Organics, Salinity, Sediments
DESCRIPTION: Residue management is the management of the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year round while growing crops. Various forms of residue management include no-till, strip till, mulch, ridge till, direct seeding, and seasonal residue management.
LAND USE CLASSIFICATION: Agricultural lands POTENTIAL TREATMENT AREAS: Agricultural lands
LOAD REDUCTION MECHANISM: Nutrients/Organics Management- Nutrients and organic matter derived from plant residues becomes incorporated into the soil rather than draining to adjacent waterways. Salinity Reduction- Residue management stabilizes the soil, reduces erosion, and reduces the transport of soil salts to adjacent waterways. Sediment Reduction – Residue management protects the soil from erosion by reducing mud splash and runoff. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Residue management practices reduce energy and time costs for farmers. Moisture is conserved in the soil. Soil compaction can be reduced. Strategies manage available moisture to increase plant damage from freezing or desiccation.
Arid Southwest BMP
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ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES: Cover Crop Filter Strip Mulching Nutrient Management PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS: None