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.
Control of later-emerging kochia in wheat or wheat stubble
Getting kochia under control in any cropping system that includes wheat begins with the wheat crop during the spring, and shortly after wheat harvest. This is not always easy, even if early spring herbicide applications for kochia control were made. While a majority of kochia emerges early in the spring, emergence can extend over a period of weeks or months. A herbicide applied early in the spring will need to have residual activity to be effective on later-emerging kochia.
Consider the value of soil residue before baling or burning wheat stubble
Following wheat harvest some producers may consider burning or baling their wheat stubble. There are four main factors to consider before taking any action that removes residue from the soil surface. Understanding the true value of leaving crop residue in place can help producers decide what is best for their system.
residue soil conservation soil erosion wheat stubble wind erosion
Control of late-emerging kochia in wheat or wheat stubble
Getting kochia under control in any cropping system that includes wheat begins with the wheat crop during the spring, and shortly after wheat harvest. This is not always easy, even if early spring herbicide applications for kochia control were made. Learn more in this article from Sarah Lancaster, K-State Weed Science Specialist.