Education Commons^™

G95-1135 Estimating Percent Residue Cover Using The Calculation Method, David P. Shelton, John A. Smith, Paul J. Jasa, Roger Kanable

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to use the calculation method to estimate the percent of the soil surface that will be covered with crop residue after using residue-disturbing implements and operations. Leaving crop residue on the soil surface is the easiest and most cost-effective method of reducing soil erosion. Research in Nebraska and other midwestern states found that leaving as little as 20 percent of the soil surface covered with crop residue can reduce soil erosion caused by rainfall and flowing water by one-half compared to residue-free conditions. Greater amounts of residue cover will further reduce erosion.