Properly managing no-till residue can save farmers from troubles in spring. Higher residue density delays soil warming and drying, potentially delaying planting and reducing seed-to-soil contact. Uneven residue distribution hampers seed placement and emergence, causing uneven crop stands and reduced yield potential

The latest edition of Beck’s Hybrids Practical Farm Research (PFR) shows the importance of proper residue management for corn’s yield potential. Aaron Carmer, a PFR location lead at Beck’s in Atlanta, Ind., says advancements in residue management products and attachments are affecting no-till. 

"For farmers engaged in no-till corn-on-corn rotations, investing in residue management can significantly enhance return on investment over different crop cycles by improving planting conditions and nutrient availability," Carmer says.

Residue Value

According to Carmer, effective residue management is essential for optimizing nutrient release and improving planting conditions. 

The nutrient value of corn residue can be quantified based on its nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulfur content. According to Beck’s research, each ton of corn residue provides 15 pounds of N, 4 pounds of P, 30 pounds of K and 3½ pounds of sulfur. That equates to $45 worth of N, $15.84 of P, $19.44 of K and $0.92 of sulfur coming from the residue at no additional cost to the farmer. Those values are assuming 6 tons of residue DAP cost $350 per ton, K costs $214 per ton and N costs $0.50 per pound.

“Chopping heads, Yetter Stalk Devastators and equipment like that help to size the residue, and it just…