What factors should be considered before baling or burning wheat residue?
Following wheat harvest some producers might be thinking about baling or burning their wheat stubble. Factors to consider include loss of nutrients, protection from erosion, soil moisture and infiltration rates, and soil quality concerns.
Soil versus air temperatures: Understanding the relationship
During the bitterly cold period in mid-February, air temperatures dropped as low as -30 F in some locations. Soil temperatures, however, did not get near that cold. Several interacting factors control soil temperature flux. Learn some basic principles about soil temperature changes in this article.
soil soil moisture soil temperature crop residue freezing temperatures
Crop residue decomposition and nutrient release rates
Crop residue is often considered to be a valuable source of nutrients, especially when the residue is from a nitrogen-fixing legume. Learns what factors determine the amount of nutrient release and how quickly residues are decomposed.
Crop residues: Nutritive value and options for grazing
Crop residue yield and nutrient content are dependent on grain yield, fertility, harvest date, and conditions at harvest. While not all acres are suitable for grazing, crop residue in Kansas represents a sizable resource. Learn about what needs to be considered when grazing residue.