Alternatives to Crop Residues for Sustaining Agricultural Productivity and Natural Resource Conservation

When left in fields after grain harvest, crop residues enhance nutrient cycling, soil and water conservation, and subsequent crop yield. However, many agricultural systems rely on crop residues for other uses, such as livestock feed, fuel, and construction material. This paper examines the key functions of crop residues in mixed crop-livestock farming systems and suggests alternatives to crop residues for sustaining agricultural productivity and natural resources. Various soil management and related practices allow crop residues to be removed without adversely affecting the soil environment. These include the introduction of alternative crop genotypes that produce both sufficient grain and residues of good quality; the partial rather than total removal of crop residues through selective crop residue harvest/return practices; provision and strategic use of chemical fertilizer and animal manure; substituting forages for crop residues; use of clean or reduced tillage; use of structural and support practices that complement tillage; and application of surface soil-amending materials. Not all practices are adaptable to all conditions, but one or more practices should be suitable for sustaining land productivity under most conditions where crop residues are limited or used for other purposes.